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Oonomoo, the friend of the white man. — Frontispiece . 



OONOMOO 

THE HURON 


BY 

EDWARD S. ELLIS 

n 

AUTHOR OF “THE TRAIL-HUNTER,” “ HUNTER’S CABIN,” ETC; 


y, 
> > 

> > > 


NEW YORK 

HURST & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 



© 



Copyright, 1911, 

BY 

HURST & COMPANY. 




“ f J. t -J- crissj. 

U r:r ■ 



©GI.A269552 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Hans Vanderbum 9 

II. Other Characters 42 

III. Oonomoo and the Shawnees 68 

IV. The Young Lieutenant and Cato 78 

V. The Home of the Huron 109 

VI. Adventures on the Way 136 

VII. The Plan for the Rescue 171 

VIII. The Exploit of Hans Vanderbum 187 

IX. A New Danger 210 

X. Conclusion 233 
























LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


FAGB 

“ Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, ain’t you got dat 

cooked?” 15 

A girl, fifteen or sixteen years of age, seated on the ground, 

beside a squaw 45 

Mary Prescott . . 61 

“ If you don’t want to be killed, get up,” said the young 

officer 85 

“ Niniotan, my son, is late.” 115 

“ You have saved me, and I want to grasp your hand for it.” 137 
But Oonomoo and the Miami had whipped out their knives. 159 
So terrible did the exasperated Huron appear, that the en- 
tire party of Shawnees paused out of sheer horror 241 

Niniotan stood like a statue, his arms folded and his stony 
gaze fixed upon the senseless forms of his parents 249 


7 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


CHAPTER I. 

HANS VANDERBUM. 

The mountain’s sides 

Are flecked with gleams of light and spots of shade ; 
Here, golden sunshine spreads in mellow rays, and there, 
Stretching across its hoary breast, deep shadows lurk. 

A stream, with many a turn, now lost to sight, 

And then, again revealed, winds through the vale, 
Shimmering in the early morning sun. 

A few white clouds float in the blue expanse, 

Their forms revealed in the clear lake beneath, 

Which bears upon its breast a bark canoe, 

Cautiously guided by a sinewy arm. 

High in the heavens, three eagles proudly poise, 

Keeping their mountain eyrie still in view, 

Although their flight has borne them far away. 

Upon the cliff which beetles o’er the pool, 

Two Indians, peering from the brink, appear, 

Clad in the gaudy dress their nature craves— 

Robes of bright blue and scarlet, but which blend 

9 


IO OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

In happy union with the landscape round. 

Near by a wigwam stands — a fire within 
Sends out a ruddy glow — and from its roof, 

Cone-shaped, a spiral wreath of smoke ascends. 

Not far away, though deeper in the woods, 

Another hut, with red-men grouped about, 

Attracts the eye, and wakens saddened thoughts 
Of that brave race who once were masters here, 

But now, like autumn leaves, are dying out. — Barry Gray. 

“ Shtop dat noise! shtop dat noise! ” vociferated 
Hans Vanderbum, growing red in the face with 
fury, because his repeated commands had received 
so little attention. 

The scene was deep in the forests of Ohio, a short 
distance from the Miami river. An Indian town 
of twenty-five or thirty lodges here stood, resem- 
bling a giant apiary, with its inhabitants flitting in 
and out, darting hither and thither, like so many 
bees. The time was early in the morning of a 
radiant spring, when the atmosphere was still and 
charming; the dew lingered upon the grass and 
undergrowth ; birds were singing in every tree ; the 
sky glowed with the pure blue of Italy; and the 
whole wilderness in its bloom looked like a sea of 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


II 


emerald. Everything was life and exhilaration, one 
personage alone excepted — Hans Vanderbum was 
unhappy ! 

The Indian lodges differed very little from each 
other, being of a rough, substantial character, built 
with an eye to comfort rather than beauty. One 
at the extreme northern edge of the village is that 
with which our story deals. A brief description of 
it will serve as a general daguerreotype of all those 
wild abodes. 

The wigwam was composed of skins and bark, 
the latter greatly predominating. The shape was 
that of a cone. The framework was of poles, the 
lower ends of which were placed in a sort of circle, 
while the tops were intersected, leaving a small 
opening, through which the smoke reached the clear 
air above. Unsightly and repulsive as this might 
seem from the outside view, the dwelling, neverthe- 
less, was water-proof and comfortable, and abun- 
dantly answered the end for which it was built. 

A thin vapor was ascending in a bluish spiral at 
the top of the lodge indicated. A Shawnee squaw 


I2 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

was occupied in preparing the morning meal, while 
her liege lord still reclined in one corner, in the 
vain effort to secure a few minutes more of slum- 
ber. This latter personage was Hans Vanderbum — 
our friend Hans — a huge, plethoric, stolid, lazy 
Dutchman, who had “ married ” an Indian widow 
several years before. At the time of her marriage 
this squaw had a boy some three or four years of 
age, while a second one, the son of the Dutchman, 
was now just large enough to be as mischievous 
as a kitten. They were a couple of greasy, copper- 
hued little rascals, with eyes as black as midnight, 
and long, wiry hair, like that of a horse’s mane. 
Brimful of animal spirits, they were just the re- 
verse of Hans Vanderbum, whose laziness and stu- 
pidity were only excelled by his indifference to the 
dignity and rights of human nature. 

Hans Vanderbum lay flat upon his back, for the 
atmosphere of the wigwam was too warm for cover- 
ing, his ponderous belly rising and falling like a 
wave of the sea, and his throat giving forth that 
peculiar rattling of the glottis, which might be mis- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


13 

taken for suffocation. The boys certainly would 
have been outside, basking in the genial sunshine, 
had not their mother, Keewaygooshturkumkan- 
kangewock, positively denied them that coveted 
privilege. The commands of the father might be 
trampled upon with impunity, but the young half- 
breeds knew better than to disobey their mother. 

“ Shtop dat noise ! shtop dat noise ! ” repeated 
Hans, raising his head without stirring his body or 
limbs. 

His broad face seemed all ablaze from its fiery 
red color, and the threatening fury throned upon 
his lowering forehead would almost have anni- 
hilated him who encountered it for the first time. 
As it was, the two boys suddenly straightened their 
faces, and assumed an air of meek penitence, as if 
suffering the most harrowing remorse for what 
they had done ; and the father, after glaring at them 
a moment, as if to drive in and clinch the impres- 
sion he had made, let his head drop back with a dull 
thump upon the ground, and again closed his 
eyes. 


j 4 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

The black, snaky orbs of the boys twinkled like 
stars through their overhanging hair. Glancing 
first at their mother, who did not deign to notice 
them, the eldest picked up his younger brother, who 
was grinning from ear to ear with delight, and, 
summoning all his strength, he poised him over the 
prostrate form of his father for a moment, and then 
dropped him ! The prolonged snore which was 
steadily issuing from the throat of the sleeping 
parent, terminated in a sharp, explosive grunt. As 
his eyes opened, the boys scrambled away like frogs 
to the opposite side of the lodge, under the pro- 
tecting care of their mother. 

“ Dunder and blixen ! You dunderin’ Dutch In- 
dians, dishturbin’ your poor old dad dat is wearing 
his life out for you! I’ll pound both of you till 
you’re dead ! ” 

Hans Vanderbum’s system had suffered too great 
a shock for further slumber. He rose to the sitting 
position, and, digging both hands into his head, 
glared at his offspring a moment, and then began 
his regular lecture. 



“Keewaygoos'nturkumkankangewock, ain’t you got dat cooked ?’ 



OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


17 

“ Quanonshet, you little Dutchman, and Madoka- 
wandock, you little bigger Dutchman, vot does you 
t’ink of yourselves? Vot does you t’ink will become 
of you, disgracing your parents in this manner? 
You oughter be pounded to death to treat your poor 
old fader in this manner, who is working of himself 
away to bring you up in the way you ought for to 
go. Eh? vot do you t’ink of yourself, eh? Vot 
do you t’ink of yourself ? ” demanded Hans, furi- 
ously shaking his head toward the boys at each 
word. 

Quanonshet and Madokawandock were too con- 
founded for reply. 

“ Shposing your poor old fader should go crazy ! ! 
Here he is working himself to skin and bone — Kee- 
waygooshturkumkankangewock, ain’t you got dat 
cooked ? ” 

“ No ! ” screamed the wife. “ You big, lazy man, 
get up and stir yourself! You don’t do anything 
but sleep and smoke, while I’m working all the flesh 
off my bones for you ! ” 

These forcible remarks were made in the pure 


iS OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

Shawnee tongue, and were accompanied by gesticu- 
lation too pointed and significant for Hans to mis- 
take the spirit in which they were given. Although 
it is the invariable custom among the North Amer- 
ican Indians for the husband to rule the wife, and 
impose all burdens upon her, except those of the 
hunt, and fight, such, by no means, was the case 
with the present couple. Hans Vanderbum’s body 
was too unwieldy for him to accompany the young 
men (or even the old men) upon their hunting ex- 
peditions ; in short, he contributed nothing toward 
the support of his interesting family. The first hus- 
band of Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock had 
been an Indian, with all the characteristics of his 
race — indolent, selfish and savage ; and her life with 
him had been that of the usual servitude and 
drudgery. Accordingly, when she ventured a second 
time upon the sea of matrimony, she naturally fell 
into the same routine of labor, planting and culti- 
vating what little corn, beans and vegetables were 
raised for the family, and doing all the really hard 
work. Hans Vanderbum sometimes gathered fire- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


19 

wood, and frequently, when the weather was pleas- 
ant, spent hours in fishing. He was an inveterate 
smoker and sleeper; and, beyond doubt, was per- 
fectly content in his situation. Playing been taken 
a prisoner some years before, and adopted into this 
branch of the Shawnee tribe, he was offered the 
hand of Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock in mar- 
riage, and accepted it at once, totally forgetful of 
his first love, which had been the beautiful inmate 
of the Hunter's Cabin. 

Hans Vanderbum sat and gazed at his wife with 
an admiring eye, as she busied herself with the 
preparations of the morning meal. Hoping to mol- 
lify her, he commenced flattering her, speaking in a 
low tone as if it were not his wish that she should 
hear him, but taking good care, at the same time, 
that nothing should escape her ears. 

“ Shplendid figger, Keewaygooshturkumkankan- 
gewock has got. No wonder all te braves of te 
Shawnee tribe should love her, and dat Hans Van- 
derbum gots her at last. Jis’ look at dat foot! long 
and flat like a board, and she’s de same shape all de 


20 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

way down from her head to her heels. Ishn’t dat 
breakfast ready, my dear wife ? ” 

The wife gave a spiteful nod, and Hans Vander- 
bum shambled up beside her, where the food, con- 
sisting of meat and a few simple vegetables, was 
spread upon a rude table which had no legs. 
Quanonshet and Madokawandock were not behind- 
hand in their movements, and the whole four fell to 
with such voracity, that, in a very short time, their 
hunger was satisfied. 

“ Now, you two fellers come out doors and learn 
your lessons,” said the father, lighting his pipe, and 
putting on a very stern and dignified look. 

The boys tumbled over each other in their eager- 
ness to get into the open air. Hans followed them, 
while Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock busied 
herself about her household duties. Quanonshet and 
Madokawandock rollicked and frisked awhile be- 
fore they were “ called to order.” After repeated 
commands, they approached their father, and stand- 
ing side by side, awaited his instructions. 

Hans Vanderbum had provided himself with a 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 2 I 

long pole, and stood by a sandy portion of ground, 
upon which he had no difficulty in tracing what 
letters and characters he wished. With due prep- 
aration and importance he marked out the first let- 
ter of the German alphabet, and then, straightening 
himself up, demanded in a thundering tone “ vot dat 
was.” His two sons looked mute and dumbfounded. 
They had not the remotest idea in the world of its 
name and significance. For over three months the 
patient father had instructed them daily in regard 
to this character, and the two together must have 
repeated it several thousand times. But, it mattered 
not; neither had any conception now of it, and 
their looks showed such unmistakably to their in- 
structor. 

“ Dunder and blixen, vot Dutch Indians ! ” he 
exclaimed, impatiently. Repeating its name, he 
again demanded " vot dat was.” This time they an- 
swered readily, and his eyes sparkled with pleasure. 

“ Shmart boys,” said he, approvingly. “You 
learns well, now. One dese days — ” 

Hans Vanderbum’s words were cut short by the 


22 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

sudden sharp explosion of his pipe, the bowl being 
shattered in a hundred pieces, while nothing but the 
stem remained in his mouth. 

“ Where’s mine pipe ? ” he asked, looking around 
in the vain hope of descrying it somewhere upon 
the ground. Quanonshet and Madokawandock in- 
dulged in one short scream of laughter, then in- 
stantly straightened their faces and looked as meek 
and innocent as lambs. Gradually the truth began 
to work its way into the head of Hans. Looking 
sternly at the two, he asked, in a threatening voice : 

“ Which of you put dat powder in mine meer- 
schaum, eh ? which of you done dat, eh ? ” 

Neither answered, except by hanging their heads 
and looking at their bare feet. 

“ I axes you once more, and dis is de last time.” 

Each now protested that it was not himself but 
the other, so that if there really were but one cul- 
prit, Hans had no means of determining. Under 
the circumstances, he concluded the safest plan was 
to believe both guilty. Accordingly he made a 
sudden dash and commenced whacking them 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


23 

soundly with the stick he held in his hand. They 
yelled, kicked, and screamed ; and squirming them- 
selves loose, scampered quickly aw$y from their 
irate instructor. 

“ Dat meerschaum can’t be fixed,” he soliloquized, 
taking the bare stem out of his mouth and looking 
sorrowfully at it. “ ’Cause dere ishn’t anything to 
fix it mit. It ish wonderful what mischief gets into 
dem boys; dere ain’t no time when dey ain’t doin’ 
notting what dey hadn’t not ought to — all de times 
just de same way, while I toils myself to death to 
educate dem and bring ’em up in de way apout 
which dey ought to go.” 

Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock being in the 
habit of frequently indulging in the use of to- 
bacco, her husband was not deprived entirely of his 
solace. Going into the wigwam, he unbosomed his 
griefs to her, and she kindly loaned him her own 
pipe. 

“ I hopes dere ain’t no powder in dat,” he re- 
marked, glancing uneasily into the bowl. 

“ Nothing but tobac,” replied his spouse, in her 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


24 

native tongue, “ unless you’ve put the powder in 
yourself.” 

“ Dunderation, I don’t does dat, and blow mine 
eyes out my head. Dem little Dutchmen is up to all 
kinds of such tricks, and some dese clays dey will 
blow deir poor fader’s brains out of his head, and 
den what will become of dem ? ” feelingly inquired 
Hans Vanderbum. 

“ What will become of them ? ” repeated Kee- 
waygooshturkumkankangewock, her voice rising 
higher and higher at each word. “ Who is it that 
supports them now and takes care of them? Who 
is it that does that? Who is it — ” 

“ It’s you — it’s you,” replied her husband, seeing 
the mistake he had made. “ I doesn’t do nottings — 
I doesn’t do nottings; it’s my wife, my good Kee- 
waygooshturkumkankangewock, dat does it all. 
She’s a very nice squaw, de same shape all de way 
down.” 

These concessions and compliments greatly 
soothed the feelings of the incensed spouse. She 
scolded her husband no more. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


25 

“ What you going to do, my dear frau ? ” he 
asked, in a voice as cooing and winning as a dove’s. 

“ Going to work, to plant the corn, to get food for 
you and Quanonshet and Madokawandock when the 
snow falls.” 

“ Very kind, clever woman ; good frau is mine 
Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock.” 

“ What are you going to do ? ” asked the wife, as 
the two passed out the wigwam. 

“ Going to shmoke and meditate — meditate hard ” 
replied Hans Vanderbum, impressively. 

“ Can’t you think as well while you’re fishing? ” 

“ I shpose I can ; if my Keewaygooshturkumkan- 
kangewock t’inks so, I can.” 

“ Well, she thinks so.” 

The fact that his wife “thought so” was equiv- 
alent to a command with Hans. He manifested no 
unwillingness or reluctance in obeying. Accord- 
ingly, he furnished himself with a hook, line and 
bait, and set out for the river. 

It was now getting well along in the forenoon, 
the sun being above the tree-tops. The Shawnee 


26 OONOMOO , THE HURON. 

Indians had left their wigwams to engage in their 
daily avocations. The women were mostly toiling 
in the field, their pappooses hanging from the trees 
or leaning against their trunks. The older children 
were frolicking through the woods, or fishing or 
hunting. A few warriors and old men still lounged 
about the wigwams, but the majority either were en- 
gaged in the hunt, or were upon the war-trail. 

Stolid and indifferent as was the nature of Hans, 
it struck him that there was something unusual in 
the appearance and actions of the Indians. It 
seemed as though some startling event had occurred 
from which they had not fully recovered. They 
were uneasy and restless in their movements, con- 
stantly passing to and from the river. Upon reach- 
ing the banks of the latter, the Dutchman found a 
considerable number already there. They were not 
engaged in fishing, but lay close to the edge of the 
water, as if they expected the appearance of some- 
thing upon its surface. Had he been a little more 
observant, there was something else which would 
have attracted his attention, on his passage through 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


27 

the woods. Fully a dozen times a peculiar sound, 
like the whistle of a bird, reached his ears, and he 
supposed it to be nothing more, although it did 
seem odd to him that the bird should follow him al- 
most to the river bank. Besides this, he caught a 
flitting glimpse of an Indian now and then, some 
distance in the woods, that appeared to be watch- 
ing him ; but Hans did not care, even if such were 
the case, and he paid no further heed to him. 

Reaching the river, he made his preparations with 
great care and elaboration. He had several hooks 
pendent from his line, upon each of which he shoved 
the wriggling worms, spitting upon them during 
the operation, as if to make them more tractable. 
To the line also was fastened a pebble, to make it 
sink. Swinging this several times around his head, 
he let go, when it spun far out in the river, and he 
commenced cautiously following it by means of a 
projecting tree-trunk. This latter extended a dozen 
feet out over the surface of the water, and had been 
used as a seat a great many times by him. Passing 
out to the extremity, he was afforded a comfortable 


28 OONOMOO , THE HURON. 

resting-place where he could sit hour after hour 
smoking his pipe and engage in fishing. Had he 
noticed the large branch of the tree upon which he 
seated himself, he would have hesitated before trust- 
ing the weight of his body upon it, but his nature 
was too unsuspicious to be attracted by anything 
trivial in its appearance, and he made his way 
out upon it, as he had done scores of times be- 
fore. 

Ensconcing himself in his seat, he gave his whole 
attention to his line and his pipe, not noticing the 
interested glances which the Shawnees along the 
bank bestowed upon his operations. After the space 
of a few minutes, he felt something pull at his line, 
and doing the same, he hauled a fine plump fish out 
of the water, casting it upon the land. 

“ Dat is purty goot,” he mused, “ and I will soon 
got a lot more, and my Keewavgooshturkumkankan- 
gewock will feel goot too, when I takes ’em home. 
She won’t — Dunder and Blixen ! ” 

The limb upon which he was seated suddenly 
broke short off, and Hans dropped into the river out 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


29 

of sight. But such a ponderous body as his could 
not sink, and upon coming to the surface, he pad- 
died hurriedly to the shore. 

“ Dem little Dutchmen, Quanonshet and Madoka- 
wandock, will be de death of deir old fader afore 
long. Dat is deir work. I knows it, I knows it, and 
I will pound 'em all up when I gits home." 

Looking about his person, he found that one of 
the hooks, catching in his clothes, had brought the 
line to shore ; and, as his involuntary bath had not 
really been unpleasant, he was able to continue his 
labor. But, before going out upon the tree he ex- 
amined the roots to satisfy himself that no further 
mischief had been perpetrated by his hopeful sons. 
Feeling assured upon this point, he again passed 
out on the tree, and was soon engaged in fishing as 
before, totally unmindful of the broad grins of the 
delighted Shawnees who had witnessed his discom- 
fiture. 

The fish bit readily. In a short time he had taken 
enough to insure him a welcome reception in his 
own wigwam. He was debating with himself 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


30 

whether it would not be better to return, especially 
as his pipe had been extinguished by his immersion, 
when a piece of bark floated down toward him and 
caught against his line. 

There certainly was nothing remarkable in this. 
After freeing it of the obstruction, he continued 
fishing. But, scarcely a minute had elapsed before 
a second and a third piece of bark, precisely like the 
first, lodged against his line, and remained there 
with such persistency that it required considerable 
effort upon his part to remove them. 

“ Where in dunderation did dey come from ? ” he 
asked, looking inquiringly about him. His first im- 
pression was that the Shawnees along the banks 
were throwing these pieces out into the river for the 
purpose of annoying him; but, on looking toward 
them, he could discover nothing in their appearance 
to warrant such a supposition. He turned else- 
where for the cause. Resuming his attention to his 
line, he found several other pieces passing beneath 
him, and he began now to feel really provoked at 
this repeated annoyance. He was about to break 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


31 

out into some exclamation, when the appearance of 
these floating objects arrested his attention. A 
glance showed him there was something meant 
more than mere mischief. The pieces of bark were 
of a peculiar construction, roughly cut into the 
shape of an Indian canoe, showing unmistakably 
that they were sent down the stream for the pur- 
pose of arresting his notice. 

“Dat means something,” exclaimed Hans, de- 
cidedly, "and I must find out what it is.” 

By simply looking up-stream, he could discern 
this fleet of miniature boats coming down toward 
him in a straight line. In the clear sunlight they 
were visible for a great distance, and it was no 
difficult matter to determine their starting point. 
Some two hundred yards above, another tree pro- 
jected out over the water very much the same as 
that upon which Hans was seated, so similar in fact 
that he had often used it for the same purpose. As 
the line of the pieces of bark pointed directly to- 
ward these, there was but little doubt that here they 
were launched upon the water. 


32 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


“ It can’t be dat Quanonshet and Madokawandock 
is dere,” mused Hans Vanderbum, “ for to try to 
worry deir poor old fader. Dey’re too big Dutch- 
men to build such boats, and dey wouldn’t know 
how to make ’em float under me if dey did. No; 
dere’s somebody out on dat tree, and he’s doing it 
to make me look up at him. I’m looking but I 
can’t see notting.” 

He shaded his eyes as he spoke, and looked long 
and searchingly at the tree, but for a considerable 
time could discover nothing unusual about it. At 
length, however, he fancied that he saw one of the 
limbs sway gently backward and forward in a man- 
ner that could hardly be caused by the wind. Grad- 
ually it began to dawn upon him that if there was 
any person upon the tree, he meant that his pres- 
ence should not be suspected by the Shawnees along 
the bank. Accordingly Hans Vanderbum was more 
circumspect in his observations. 

Still watching the tree, he soon discovered some- 
thing else that he thought was meant to attract his 
eye. The water directly beneath it flashed and 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


33 

sparkled as if it was disturbed by some object. 
Straining his gaze, he finally discerned what ap- 
peared to be a human hand swaying backward and 
forward. 

“ Dat is enough ! ” thought Hans Vanderbum. 
“ Dere’s somebody dere dat wants to see me, and is 
afeard of dese oder chaps about, so I goes to 
him. ,, 

Working his way cautiously backward, he reached 
the land and started apparently to return to his 
wigwam. As he did so, he looked at the Shawnees 
and was gratified to see that their suspicions had 
not been aroused by his movements. Proceeding 
some distance, he hid his fish and line and made his 
way up the river, escaping the Shawnees by means 
of a long detour. 

Reaching the stream and tree, he was somewhat 
taken aback by not finding any one at all. Consider- 
ably perplexed, he looked about him. 

“ Can’t be dat Quanonshet and Madokawandock 
have been fooling deir poor old fader again,” said 
he. “ I’m purty sure I seen some one on the tree, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


34 

when dem pieces of bark come swimming down- 
stream.” 

A subdued whistle reached his ear. Looking be- 
hind him, he saw a Huron Indian standing a few 
yards away. The eyes of both lit up as they en- 
countered the gaze of each other, for they were both 
friends and old acquaintances. 

“ Ish dat you, Oonomoo?” inquired Hans Van- 
derbum. 

“ Yeh — me — Oonomoo,” replied the Indian, pro- 
nouncing his name somewhat differently from the 
Dutchman, (and from that by which we have before 
referred to him). 

“ Was dat you on de tree out dere ? ” 

“ Yeh, me — Oonomoo out dere on log.” 

“ And did you make dem pieces of bark to come 
swimming down by me ? ” 

“Yeh, me made ’em.” 

“ And shtirred de water wid yer hand and moved 
de limb ? ” 

“ Yeh, Oonomoo do all dat.” 

“ I shpose you wanted to see me ? ” 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


35 


“Yeh, wanted to see you — want talk wid you,” 
said the Huron, motioning for Hans to follow him. 
The latter did not hesitate to do so, as he had per- 
fect faith in his honesty, knowing much of his 
history. The savage led the way some distance into 
the woods, where they were not likely to be seen or 
overheard, and then stopped and confronted his com- 
panion. 

“ Where’d you come from, Oonomoo ? ” asked the 
latter. 

“ From fightin’ de Shawnees,” replied the savage, 
proudly. 

“ Yaw, I sees yer am in de war-paint. Did you 
get many ? ” 

“ The lodge of Oonomoo is full of the scalps of 
the cowardly Shawnees, taken many moons ago,” 
answered the Huron, his eyes flashing fire and his 
breast heaving at the remembrance of his exploits. 
This reply was made in the Shawnee language, as 
he spoke it as well as one of their warriors ; and, 
as Hans also understood it, the conversation wa3 
now carried on in that tongue. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


36 

“ When did you see Annie Stanton last ? ” in- 
quired the Dutchman, showing considerable inter- 
est. 

“ Several moons ago, when the sun was in the 
woods and the waters were asleep.” 

“ Is her husband, that rascally Ferrington, liv- 
ing ?” 

Oonomoo replied that he was. 

“ And is their baby, too ? ” 

“ Yes, they have two pappooses.” 

“ Dunder and blixen ! ” exclaimed Hans Vander- 
bum, and then resuming the English language, or 
rather his version of it, he added : 

“ Dat gal wanted to marry mit me once.” 

“ Why no marry den ? ” inquired Oonomoo, also 
coming back to the more difficult language. 

“ She wan’t te right kind of a gal — she wan’t like 
my Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, dat is de 
same shape all de way down from her head to her 
heels. So I let dat Ferrington have her.” 

The Huron, who understood all about that mat- 
ter, indulged in a broad smile at this remark. What- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


37 

ever his business was, it was manifest he was in no 
hurry, else he would not have indulged in this by- 
play of words with his friend. 

“ You doesn’t t’ink de baby will dies, does you? ” 

“ No — in de settlement — Shawnee can’t git her 
now — don’t live off in de woods like as dey did 
afore.” 

“ Dat’s lucky for her ; don’t t’ink dey will get her 
there, ’cause dey tried it once — dat time, you re- 
member, when we was all in de Hunter’s Cabin 
in de woods, and you came down de chimney, and 
I watched and kept de Shawnee off.” 

The Huron signified that he remembered the cir- 
cumstance well. 

“ Dem was great times,” added Hans Vander- 
bum, calling up the recollection of them. “ I left de 
village one hot afternoon, and walked all de way 
t’rough de woods to get to de cabin to help dem 
poor folks. We had mighty hard times. I catched 
a cold and couldn’t shtop my dunderin’ nose one 
night when it wanted to shneeze, and dat’s de way 
de Shawnee catched me. ’Twan’t so bad arter all,” 


38 OONOMOO , THE HURON . 

added Hans Vanderbum, musingly, “ ’cause if it 
wasn’t for dat I wouldn’t got my Keewaygooshtur- 
kumkankange wock. ” 

“How soon go back?” asked Oonomoo. 

“ To de village, do you mean ? ” 

“ Yeh.” 

“ Any time afore noon will does, so Keeway- 

gooshturkumkankangewock gits de fish for our din- 
** 

ner. 

“ One, two hours,” said the Huron, looking up at 
the sky, “ den sun git dere,” pointing to the zenith. 
“ Shawnees know here ? ” 

“ Know me here ? Guesses not ; don’t care if dey 
does, nor dey doesn’t care neider.” 

“ Shawnees won’t come here ? ” 

“ No, no, Oonomoo, you needn’t be afraid — ” 

“ Afraid who ? ” demanded the Huron, with 
quick fierceness. “ Oonomoo never run afore one 
— two — t’ree — dozen Shawnees. He only runs 
when dey comes like de leaves in de woods.” 

“Dey won’t come like de leaves. If dey does, 
why you can leave too, and I t’inks you know how 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


39 

to use dem legs dat you’ve got tacked onto you. 
I t’inks you run as fast as me.” 

“ So I t’inks,” replied the Indian, with a grin. 

“ Dere’s no mistake but dem Shawnees would like 
to get your scalp, Oonomoo.” 

“ Two — t’ree — hundreds — all Shawnees like to git 
Oonomoo’s scalp — nebber git him — Oonomee die in 
his lodge — scalp on his head,” said the Huron, 
proudly. 

“ I hopes so ; hopes I will, too.” 

The expression of the Indian’s face was changed. 
It assumed a dark, earnest appearance. He was 
done trifling, and wished to commence busi- 
ness. 

“ See her dis mornin’ ? ” he asked, in short, quick 
tones. 

“ See who?” asked Hans Vanderbum, in turn, 
completely at a loss to understand him. 

“De gal.” 

“ De gal ? Who you talking about — Keeway- 
gooshturkumkankangewock ? ” 

“ De gal Shawnees got in de village.” 


40 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


The Dutchman’s blank expression showed that he 
did not comprehend what the Huron was referring 
to; so he added, by way of explanation: 

“ Shawnees kill women and children — deir war- 
riors squaws — don’t fight men — burn houses toder 
day — run off wid gal — got her now in de village — 
she gal of Oonomoo’s friend — Oonomoo want to get 
her.” 

From these rather disconnected expressions, Hans 
Vanderbum understood that a war-party of Shaw- 
nees had brought in a prisoner who was a friend of 
the Huron’s. It was for the purpose of learning 
something regarding her that he had signaled the 
fisherman to leave his hook and line and come to 
him. The captive having reached the village quite 
recently, he had failed to be apprised of it, so that 
Oonomoo learned no more than he already knew 
regarding her. 

“ When did dey took her?” asked Hans Vander- 
bum. 

“ When sun dere, yisterday,” replied the Indian, 
pointing off in the western horizon. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


41 


“ Do you want to know ’bout her ? ” 

“ Yeh.” 

“ Den I goes find out.” 

So saying, Hans Vanderbum strode away through 
the forest in the direction of the Shawnee village. 


42 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


I 


CHAPTER II. 

OTHER CHARACTERS. 


“ He joys to scour the prairies wide, 
Upon the bison’s trail ; 

To pierce his dark and shaggy hide 
With darts that never fail. 

“ His is the lion’s strength in war, 

In peace, the lion’s rest ; 

And the eagle hath not flown so far 
As his fame throughout the West.” 


Upon leaving the Huron, Hans Vanderbum hur- 
ried toward the village, as rapidly as the peculiar 
structure of his body would allow. As has been re- 
marked, he was well acquainted with Oonomoo, 
knowing him to be a faithful ally of his race. He 
was anxious, therefore, to show his friendship to 
the savage. Down, too, somewhere in the huge 
heart of the plethoric Dutchman, was a kindly feel- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


43 

in g for the distress of a human being, and he felt 
willing and anxious to befriend any hapless cap- 
tive that had fallen into the hands of the relentless 
Shawnees. 

So absorbed was he in meditating, that he took 
no heed of his footsteps until he was suddenly con- 
fronted by his spouse, Keewaygooshturkumkankan- 
gewock, who, flourishing a sort of hoe over his head, 
demanded, or rather screeched: 

“ Where’s your fish ? ” 

Hans Vanderbum winked very rapidly, and put- 
ting his hands up over his head, as if to protect 
it, “ I forgots all about dem. I goes right back and 
gots dem.” 

He wheeled around as he spoke, receiving a re- 
sounding whack from the hoe, by way of a re- 
minder, and went lumbering through the woods in 
search of his basket of fish. He experienced little 
difficulty in finding it, and in a few moments was 
back again to his affectionate partner. 

“ How did you get wet ? ” she asked, looking at 
his flapping garments. 


44 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ Dem little Dutchmen done it ; dey fixed de limb 
and made it proke and let me down in de water and 
almost drownded. Quanonshet and Madokawan- 
dock will be de death of deir poor dad.” 

The wife vouchsafed no reply, but jerking the 
fish from his hand, entered the wigwam for the pur- 
pose of cooking them, while Hans Vanderbum him- 
self went lounging on through the village, it being 
his purpose not to seem too anxious and hurried in 
his effort to gain his news regarding the captive. 
He was, despite his stupidity, not devoid of sagacity 
at times. 

He had not long to search. In the very center 
of the town, his eyes fell upon a promiscuous crowd 
collected around a wigwam, gazing at something 
within. 

“ Vot you got dere? ” he demanded, in a tone of 
great indignation, as he shoved his way through the 
bystanders. Those addressed made no reply, wait- 
ing for him to satisfy his curiosity by seeing the 
object for himself. In the interior, he descried a 
young woman, or rather a girl, for she could 



A girl) fifteen or sixteen years of age, seated on the ground, 

beside a squaw. 



OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


47 

scarcely have been more than fifteen or sixteen 
years of age, seated upon the ground, beside a 
squaw, with whom it was apparent she had been 
endeavoring to hold a conversation; but, finding it 
impossible in the ignorance of each other’s lan- 
guage, they had ceased their efforts by common con- 
sent and were now sitting motionless. 

As Hans Vanderbum gazed curiously at her, his 
big heart filled with pity. She was attired in the 
plain, homespun dress common among the settlers 
at that period, her head totally uncovered, and her 
long, dark hair falling in luxuriant masses around 
her shoulders. Her hands were clasped and her 
head bowed with a meek, resigned air that reached 
more than one Shawnee heart. Her complexion was 
rather light, her features not dazzlingly beautiful, 
but prepossessing, the expression which instantly 
struck the beholder being that of refinement ; speak- 
ing a nature elevated and holy, as much above that 
of the beings who surrounded her, as would have 
been that of an angel had he alighted amid a group 
of mortals. 


4 8 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

The great exertion made by Hans Vanderbum 
in reaching the wigwam, caused him to breathe so 
heavily as to attract the attention of the captive. 
Catching sight of a white man, she arose quickly, 
and approaching him, said, eagerly : 

“ Oh ! I’m so glad to meet one of my own color 
and race, for I am sure you must be a friend. ,, 

“ Yaw, Fs your friend,” replied Hans Vanderbum, 
hardly knowing what he said ; “ and I’s sorry as no- 
body to see you here. How did you got here ? ” 

“ They brought me, the Shawnee warriors did. 
They attacked the house in the night, when I was 
alone with the servants. They murdered them all 
except me. They have brought myself here to per- 
ish in captivity.” 

“ Yaw, de Shawnees ish great on dat business. 
’Cause I shneezed dey cotched me once and brought 
me here to perish in captivity mit yourself,” said 
Hans Vanderbum, in a feeling voice. 

“ Are you a prisoner, also?” asked the captive, 
in considerable surprise. 

“Yaw, but I likes it! Fs got a wife, Keeway- 


OONOMOO , THE HURON . 


49 

gooshturkumkankangewock, dat is de same shape 
all de way down, and a little Dutchman, Madoka- 
wandock ; so dey hasn’t to watch, like I shpose dey 
will have to you.” 

“ Can any of these around me understand Eng- 
lish ? ” asked the girl, in a low tone. 

“ No ; de women don’t know notting about it, ex- 
cept my wife, and she ain’t here ; and de men know 
notink. You needn’t be afraid to say anything you 
pleases to me.” 

“ You could not betray me,” added the girl, turn- 
ing her dark, soulful eyes anxiously full upon 
him. 

“ No, no,” he replied, energetically. “ Voot’s 
your name ? ” 

“ Mary Prescott.” 

“ How fur does you live from here — dat is, how 
fur did you live?” 

“ It must be over thirty miles, in an eastern di- 
rection, I think.” 

“ Does you know Oonomoo ? ” 

Hans Vanderbum asked the question in a lower 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


SO 

tone, for the name was well known to all pres- 
ent. 

“ A Huron Indian ? Oh, yes ; I know him well,” 
replied the captive; her countenance lighting up. 
“ He was well remembered in our neighborhood, 
and was a true friend to us all. Do you know him 
too? Though I suppose of course you do, from 
your asking me the question.” 

“ Yaw, I knows him, and he knows me too, and 
we both knows each oder, so dat we are acquainted. 
Well, dat shentleman is hid off in de woods near 
here, and he has sent me in to Tarn what I cans 
about you.” 

The prisoner kept back the joyful exclamation 
that came to her lips, and said : 

f 

“Tell him that I am unharmed and hopeful, and 
trust that while he interests himself in me, he will 
not run into danger.” 

“ Not run into danger ! ” repeated Hans Vander- 
bum ; “ dat is what Oonomoo lives on. He’d die 
in a week if he wan’t into danger, out of grief. 
He don’t do notting else; it’s what he was made 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


51 

for,” he added, growing enthusiastic in speaking 
of the Huron. 

“ I know he is a brave and true-hearted Indian, 
and is greatly esteemed by the Moravian mission- 
aries. He hesitates at no risk when his friends are 
in danger.” 

“ Ef he does run risk dey don’t catch him, ’cause 
he knows how to run and fight, and ish shmarter 
dan de Shawnees. Where ish your parents?” 

“ My mother and sister happened to be absent on 
a visit to Falsington, which is fifteen or twenty 
miles distant from our place, while father, who is 
a Captain, is doing service somewhere on the fron- 
tier, in the American army. How thankful indeed 
I am that dear mother and Helen were away, for 
they have escaped this terrible captivity.” 

“ You washn’t left all alone?” 

“ Oh, no ; there were several servants, and I saw 
them tomahawked, and heard their piercing cries.” 

The captive covered her face, and her frame 
shook like an aspen at the remembrance of the dread- 
ful scenes through which she had so recently 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


52 

passed. It was several minutes before she recovered 
her self-command. When she did, Hans Vander- 
bum proceeded with his questions. 

“ Dey burnt de place, I shpose ? ” 

“ Yes, yes ; they destroyed everything.” 

“ I shpose your folks will feel bad when dey 
finds dese Shawnees have got you, won’t dey ? ” 

“ Oh, yes, yes ; do not speak of it.” 

At this point Hans Vanderbum began to get a 
sort of dim, vague idea that his style of conversa- 
tion was not exactly calculated to soothe the feel- 
ings of the unfortunate prisoner ; so he determined, 
if possible, to make amends for it. Patting her on 
the head, he said, gently: 

“ Don’t feel bad, my darling ; I ish shorry for you, 
but I wants to ax you anoder question.” 

“ What is it ? ” queried the maid, with a wonder- 
ing look. 

“Will you answer it?” asked Hans Vanderbum, 
endeavoring to put on an arch, quizzical expression. 

“ If it is in my power I instantly will. Pray, do 
not hesitate to ask me anything you choose.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


53 

“ Well, den, gits ready for it. I would shust like 
to know if dere ishn’t some feller dat is in love mit 
you, and you is in love mit, and dat both ish in 
love mit each oder, eh ? ” 

The crimson that suffused the cheeks and 
mounted to the very forehead of the captive, an- 
swered the question of Hans Vanderbum more 
plainly than words. Still, he insisted upon a verbal 
reply. 

“ There is no need of concealing the truth from 
you,” she answered. “ I have a dear young 
friend—” 

“ Who ish he?” 

“ Lieutenant Canfield, who is in service with 
my father,” she replied. 

“ Oh, den he don't know notting about it ?” 

“ I am not sure of that. Oonomoo has acted as 
a runner or bearer of messages between many of 
the men in the American army and their families, 
upon the frontier, and the last time I saw him he 
brought me word that Lieutenant Canfield intended 
shortly to visit me on furlough. He may have 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


54 

arrived immediately after the Indians burnt our 
place.” 

“ A good t’ing ; a good t’ing if he only has.” 

“ Why would it be a good thing ? ” 

“ Does he know Oonomoo ? ” 

“ Certainly ; he has known him for several years.” 

“ Well, den, dey will come together, and dey ’ll fix 
up t’ings so dat dey will got you out of dis place 
afore long.” 

“ I hope so ; I hope so. Death would not be 
more terrible than the suffering I undergo here, 
-especially at night. Oh ! will you not stay by me ? ” 
asked the prisoner, the tears starting to her eyes. 

Hans Vanderbum gouged his fists into his own 
visual organs, and muttered something about " de 
dunderin’ shmoke,” before he could reply. 

“Yesh, yesh, I ’tends to you. You needn’t be 
’fraid. Dey won’t hurt you, I doesn’t t’ink. Dey 
jist keeps you. May be dey burns you, but dat ain’t 
sartain. I must go to Oonomoo now, for I’ve been 
away from him a good long while.” 

“ Tell him I am hopeful.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


55 

“ Ain’t dere notting else to tell him ? ” asked Hans 
Vanderbum, still lingering. 

“ I know of nothing else. He certainly needs 
no advice from me.” 

“ Notting to send to Lieutenant Canfield, eh ? ” 
again queried Hans. 

“ Tell Oonomoo,” said the girl, looking down to 
the earth, “ that if he meets Lieutenant Canfield to 
say the same thing to him for me, that I am waiting 
and hopeful, and have a good friend constantly by 
me, which lightens, in a great measure, the gloom 
of my captivity.” 

“ Who ish dat friend ? ” 

“ You.” 

“ Yaw, I tells him. Good-by; be a good gal till T 
comes back. I bees back burty soon.” 

So saying, Hans passed out of the wigwam on 
his way to return to Oonomoo. His prolonged con- 
versation with Miss Prescott had attracted the at- 
tention of the Indians who were lingering outside, 
and several asked him its purport. To these he in- 
variably replied, “ she didn’t know wheder it was 


56 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

going for to rain or not, but she t’ought it would 
do one or toder.” 

From his long residence among the Shawnees 
and his family connection with them, Hans Van- 
derbum was not suspected of disaffection. Indeed, 
it could not properly be said that he felt thus toward 
them. He would not willingly do anything to in- 
jure them any more than he would have fought 
against his own race. Had he been dwelling among 
the whites, he would have befriended any hapless 
prisoner that might be in their power as h.e intended 
to befriend the poor girl with whom he had just 
been conversing. 

It was about noon when he reached his own wig- 
wam. He looked in, and seeing that the fish had 
been cooked and was ready, told his wife that he 
didn’t feel very hungry and he guessed he would 
take a short walk for his health. She, however, 
ordered him at once to take his place inside and eat 
his dinner. The henpecked husband dared not re- 
fuse, and he was accordingly compelled to take part 
in the meal, while constantly occupied in thinking 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


57 

that the Huron was waiting for him; but, as pa- 
tience is one of the cardinal virtues of the North 
American Indian, Hans was sure of finding him at 
the rendezvous upon his return. 

Some twenty minutes later, Hans Vanderbum was 
at the tree, where he had first caught sight of Oon- 
omoo. It was not long before the latter came from 
his concealment, and, after exchanging words upon 
unimportant subjects, for the purpose of concealing 
his curiosity, he inquired in regard to Miss Prescott. 

“ She tells me to tell you dat she’s dere, and is 
hopeful, and ain’t hurt, and hopes you won’t hurt 
yourself to git her away.” 

“ Oonomoo won’t hurt his self — Shawnee won’t 
hurt Oonomoo — he git gal away too.” 

“ Oh, I like for to forgot. She tells me ’bout 
Lieutenant Canfield de same as she tells you. Will 
you see him ? ” 

“ See him dis mornin’ — waitin’ in woods fur me 
— see him ’gin — tell what gal said.” 

“ I’m glad for to hear it, Oonomoo. I shpose 
you’ll be back this way ag’in one dese days.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


58 

“ Be back soon — have somebody with me — tell 
gal so — look out fur whistle — keep ears open — 
hear dis time.” 

“ Yaw, I will. I heerd you dis oder time, too, but 
didn’t t’ink ’twas you. I’ll know de next time. 
You going now? ” 

The Huron signified that he was, and took his 
departure as quietly as he had come. Hans watched 
as the dusky figure flitted in and out among the 
trees and finally disappeared in the distance. Then, 
muttering to himself, he returned to the village. 

The day was unusually warm for the season; 
there was little activity in the Indian town. Hans 
noticed that many of the Shawnees were still lin- 
gering along the Miami, although what object other 
than that of mere languor could induce them to re- 
main, he could not possibly conceive. Reaching his 
own wigwam, he was confounded with joy to learn 
that the captive, Miss Prescott, was to be domiciled 
in it. He could scarce believe it until Keewaygoosh- 
turkumkankangewock told him that she was to be 
strictly guarded, used as her slave and never to be 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


59 

out of her sight for one minute. In case of her 
escape, Hans Vanderbum was to be held responsible 
for it, his life paying the forfeit. 

“ Dat is quare,” he muttered. “ I guess Oonomoo 
can fix it, if dey does do it.” 

It perhaps is well to remark here, by way of ex- 
planation, that the time in which the incidents oc- 
curred, which we intend to relate, was a few years 
subsequent to the great victory of Anthony Wayne 
over the combined forces of the various Indian 
tribes in the West. As a consequence of this splen- 
did achievement and the no less splendid victory 
gained in the renowned treaty of Greenville, a long 
and almost undisturbed peace along the frontier was 
inaugurated, where, for years before, all had been 
strife of the most revolting kind. But, profound 
peace and security never existed on the border until 
the final removal of the Indians beyond the Missis- 
sippi. Isolated families, small bodies of men, and 
the lonely traveler through the forest, never were 
secure from the stealthy attacks of the red-men. 
Deep in the gloom of the solemn wilderness, many a 


6o OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

deadly conflict occurred between the hunter and 
the Indian. Often the victim sunk noiselessly to 
the turf, and his bones bleached for years in these 
wilds, while none but his slayer knew of his fate. 

Captain Prescott, placing great faith in the treaty 
of Greenville, had erected a fine mansion upon a 
tract of land received from Government. His resi- 
dence was upon the extreme frontier. He had mis- 
givings when he removed his wife and two daugh- 
ters to that wilderness home. He provided a num- 
ber of trusty servants for their protection in his 
absence with the army. Circumstances transpired 
which prevented his fulfilling his promise to return 
home to remain, and he continued absent nearly 
three years, occasionally making a short visit, and 
returning to his duties again before he had fairly 
greeted his family. 

On one of these visits, Captain Prescott took, as 
his companion, a young Lieutenant named Canfield. 
It so happened that this visit lasted several days, 
and a period of greater happiness to the young Lieu- 
tenant probably never occurred. Mary Prescott, at 



Mary Prescott. 





OONOMOO , THE HURON . 63 

that time, could not properly be called a woman, ex- 
cept in the grace and dignity of her character. She 
inherited the rich fancy, the nervous sensibility, and 
stern will of her father, and what may seem like a 
contradiction, the gentleness and modesty of her 
mother. She was the youngest child, and, naturally 
enough, the pet of the others ; but, the parents were 
too sensible to spoil her by flattery or foolish indul- 
gence. She was of that age when the female mind 
is most susceptible to the great passion of our na- 
ture in its most romantic phase, when Lieutenant 
Canfield visited their house. His frank bearing, his 
gentlemanly deportment, and, above all, the favor- 
able reports which her father gave of his gallant 
conduct, conspired to enlist young Mary in his 
favor. 

They were scarcely thrown into each other’s so- 
ciety before the natural, though sometimes tardy, 
results of the virtues we have mentioned were seen. 
The tell-tale blush — the voice unconsciously low- 
ered to the most thrilling softness — the timid glance 
— the deep-drawn sigh — the absent, vacant appear- 


64 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

ance when separated for a short time from each 
other — the supreme happiness when together — all 
were signs which escaped not the eyes of the sister 
and mother, although the matter-of-fact father 
failed to notice such trifles. His days of courtship 
had become a fable, if they were not forgotten. 

If there were any displeasure at this state of af- 
fairs upon the part of her mother, it was only be- 
cause she believed her daughter too young to enter- 
tain thoughts of marriage. Like a wise and prudent 
parent, however, she did not seek to accomplish an 
impossibility — that of preventing what no parent 
yet succeeded in preventing. Having great confi- 
dence in the young Lieutenant, from the representa- 
tions of her husband, she merely resolved to be dis- 
creet with him. Accordingly, when, on the day of 
his departure, he found courage to mention his love 
of Mary to her parents, the mother took it upon her 
to reply that she entertained no objection to his suit, 
but, from the youth of her daughter, he must not 
expect their consent to a union for several years. 
At the same time she gracefully hinted that the sud- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 65 

denness of his passion might well excite suspicion 
that it was hardly genuine. Delighted beyond meas- 
ure at this answer, Lieutenant Canfield added that 
he would not claim her hand until both father and 
mother were fully satisfied, and until he had proven 
to them that he was worthy of their daughter. 
Thus matters stood when Captain Prescott and the 
Lieutenant took their departure. 

Matters were somehow or other so arranged that 
the Lieutenant found opportunity to visit the family 
of Captain Prescott oftener than the Captain him- 
self. On these occasions, the mother was pleased to 
observe that while the attachment between him and 
her daughter became more and more marked, the 
Lieutenant always manifested the most scrupulous 
respect for the wishes of her parents, and never 
breathed a word to her that he believed could occa- 
sion the slightest objection upon their part. 

Besides these visits, the lovers found ready 
means for exchanging their expressions of affection 
through the faithful Huron, Oonomoo, who made 
stated journeys from Captain Prescott's mansion to 


66 OONOMOO, THE HURON . 

his post. On these occasions, he went loaded with 
missives from one party to another, carrying back 
as many as he brought. He was a great favorite 
with the whites, who appreciated his chivalrous 
faithfulness and fidelity, and loaded him with many 
expressions of their esteem. He had the reputation 
of being the fleetest runner, the most successful 
scout and best hunter in the West. Volumes would 
be required to record all the exploits told of him — 
of the marvelous number of scalps which hung in 
his lodge, and of the many hair-breadth escapes he 
had had. It was said he had a wife and child hid 
somewhere in the recesses of the forest, to whom he 
made stated visits, and whom his deadly enemies, 
the Shawnees, had sought in vain for years. He 
was now about thirty-five years of age, and had been 
known as a scout and friend of the whites for full 
a dozen years. 

Somewhat less than two years after the first meet- 
ing of Lieutenant Canfield with the daughter of 
Captain Prescott, the wife and eldest daughter of the 
latter made a journey of pleasure to a neighboring 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 67 

settlement. Mary would have accompanied them, 
had she not received an intimation from Oonomoo 
that her lover proposed to make her a visit about 
that time. She accordingly remained at home with 
the servants. 

Two nights afterwards, when the darkness was al- 
most impenetrable, a large war-party of Shawnees 
suddenly attacked the place. The negroes had no 
time for defense, and only sought their own safety 
in flight. But one, however, escaped, the rest fall- 
ing beneath the merciless tomahawk. Mary Prescott 
was carried off a prisoner. 


68 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


CHAPTER III. 

OONOMOO AND THE SHAWNEES. 


Through forty foes his path he made, 

And safely reached the forest-glade. — S cott. 

After parting from Hans Vanderbum, the 
Huron sped noiselessly through the woods, taking a 
direction that would lead him to a point on the river 
fully three hundred yards below where he had sig- 
naled the German. The stream making a bend there, 
he would thus escape the observation of the Shaw- 
nees along the bank, at the point where the fisher- 
man had been engaged in his labors. 

So silent, yet rapid, was the motion of Oonomoo, 
that his figure flitted through the rifts in the wood 
like a shadow. His head projected slightly forward, 
in the attitude of acute attention, and his black, rest- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 69 

less eyes constantly flitted from one point to the 
other, scarcely resting for a second upon any single 
object. In his left hand he trailed his long rifle, 
while his right rested upon the buckhorn handle of 
the knife in his belt. 

He had progressed a considerable distance thus, 
when the Huron’s gait decreased very rapidly. He 
was now in the vicinity of the river, where he had 
left his canoe drawn up on the bank. It was neces- 
sary to reconnoiter thoroughly before venturing to 
approach it. Accordingly, he halted. The move- 
ment of the panther in approaching his foe was not 
more stealthy and cautious than was his. 

At length, reaching the shelter of a tree, and cau- 
tiously peering around, the Huron caught sight 
of the stern of his canoe. One glance and his 
dark eyes flashed fire! The Shawnees had been 
there ! 

What sign caught the notice of Oonomoo? 
What kindled the fire in his dark eye ? What caused 
one hand to close over his knife, and the other to 
grasp his rifle? It was a sign of his enemy. Too 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


70 

well the sagacious Huron knew that the Shawnee 
was lying in wait for him. 

The canoe, which Oonomoo left behind him, dur- 
ing his interview with Hans Vanderbum, lay pre- 
cisely as it was first deposited. Not a surrounding 
limb, shrub or leaf had, so far as he could see, been 
disturbed since he left the spot. And yet the evi- 
dence which presented itself to the eyes of the In- 
dian was as palpable and unmistakable as would 
have been the appearance of enemies them- 
selves. 

Oonomoo had carefully drawn his bark canoe up 
the river-bank and concealed it as well as the cir- 
cumstances would admit. He had then deposited 
his long Indian paddle in it, leaving the blade pro- 
jecting over the stern. The paddle was now several 
inches further to one side than it had been left by 
him ! ” 

This was the entire evidence. It was abundantly 
sufficient to satisfy the Huron. He did not doubt 
for an instant. His only uncertainty was in re- 
gard to the precise location of his foes. A few 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


71 

minutes’ observation satisfied him that they were not 
between the canoe and the river. His course of 
action was accordingly determined. It would have 
been the easiest matter in the world for him to have 
escaped by swimming the river; but as an oppor- 
tunity for a contest of skill with his enemies was 
ofifered, he was too proud not to embrace it at once. 
Retreating several rods, he continued his way up- 
stream in his usual cautious manner, until he had 
gone perhaps a furlong above his canoe, when he 
approached and entered the stream. 

The Miami, at this point, was so heavily wooded, 
that it was impossible to pass close under its shore 
without entering the water. Once within this and 
in a stooping position, a person would be invisible 
to any one on the same bank, although he could be 
plainly seen from the opposite shore. Oonomoo now 
commenced his descent of the river with the intention 
of recovering his canoe. This was necessarily a 
tedious and prolonged operation, as a single mis- 
step, a slip or splash of the water might betray him 
to his enemies. But, he was equal to the task, and 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


72 

never hesitated for a moment except to listen for 
some sign of his enemies. 

The Shawnees, by the merest accident, had dis- 
covered the Huron’s canoe and examined it. Sat- 
isfied that it belonged to none of their tribe, and 
most probably had brm left there by some hostile 
scout, they carefully allowed it to remain as they 
had found it, and endeavored to restore everything 
around to its natural position, so as not to arouse 
the suspicion of the owner upon his return. This 
done, they withdrew and awaited with loaded rifles 
for his reappearance. We have shown how a most 
trifling error in regard to the paddle placed the 
Huron on his guard. 

It was perhaps a half -hour after Oonomoo had 
commenced his descent of the river, that the canoe, 
without any perceptible jar, slid an inch or two 
down the bank. So quietly and cautiously was this 
effected, that, had the Shawnees been looking di- 
rectly at it, their suspicion would not have been 
aroused. 

Some ten or fifteen minutes later, the boat moved 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


73 

about the same distance further. The expectant 
Shawnees, clutching their rifles, were listening anx- 
iously for some sound that might indicate the 
approach of their foe, and paid little heed to the 
canoe itself. Ever and anon, it retreated an inch or 
two down the bank in the same mysterious manner 
— going short distances and so very slowly that no 
one but a thoroughly suspicious Indian would have 
believed there was any human agency connected 
with it. 

The canoe was fully an hour and a half in mov- 
ing a single foot, during which time the Huron 
managed, by the most consummate skill, to sustain 
it in such a manner that the shrubbery and under- 
growth around appeared to occupy relatively the 
same position that they did before it had been dis- 
turbed. The river shore was only some twenty or 
thirty feet distant, and from where Oonomoo lay, 
the way was almost entirely clear to it, so that when 
he chose to make any sudden dash or movement, no 
hindering cause could possibly offer itself. 

One of the Shawnees chanced to glance at the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


74 

canoe. At the same instant, his keen eye detected 
its changed position, imperceptible almost as it 
was. With a guttural exclamation he arose and 
moved toward it, followed by his two companions. 
They had taken scarcely a step, when they saw the 
boat slide swiftly forward several feet, and then 
suddenly rising to the perpendicular position, whisk 
off through the bush at a still more rapid rate. 
Two twinkling moccasins, that looked as if they 
were its support, as they doubled over each other, 
fully explained to the Shawnees the cause of this 
singular scene. 

With a loud yell, the three dashed forward, while 
the Huron ran at the top of his speed over the slight 
distance that lay between him and the river. Reach- 
ing the shore, he changed the canoe from his rear 
to his front, and holding it like a shield above and 
before him. With one foot in the edge of the water, 
he concentrated all his strength for the effort and 
leaped far out in the stream — the canoe falling with 
a loud splash perfectly flat upon the surface. The 
impetus thus given caused it to shoot like an arrow 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 75 

for a long distance, when the Huron, inclining his 
body to the left, careened it so much, that his own 
person was concealed from any who might be upon 
the shore, while, by reaching his hand over into 
the current, he was enabled to use it as a paddle, and 
continue his onward motion. 

Oonomoo was fully aware that the delicate struc- 
ture of the canoe was no obstruction at all against 
a rifle-shot. Accordingly, while descending the 
river, he had taken precaution to insure his safety, 
in case of such an occurrence as had now transpired. 
A large, rotten limb, hardly the length of his own 
body, was carried with him. At the moment of lift- 
ing the canoe from the ground, the limb was placed 
within it, and thus was carried back to the edge of 
the river. Lying flat upon his face, this limb was 
about the thickness of the Huron’s waist, and by 
skillfully balancing the boat, it was interposed di- 
rectly between him and his foes. The only parts 
of his person which possibly could be struck were 
his feet and the arm stretched over the side of the 
canoe. The former necessarily being in the stern, 


76 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

it was hardly probable that they would be wounded. 
There was such risk of the arm that Oonomoo drew 
it within the boat for a few moments. He had 
scarcely done so, when the reports of two rifles, 
and the peculiar zip of the bullets as they cut 
through the side of the canoe and buried themselves 
in the rotten wood, proved how wise was the pre- 
caution he had taken. 

Quick as thought, the hand of the Huron was in 
the water again, where, as he vigorously used it, it 
flashed like some fish at play. The Shawnees, who 
plainly discerned the two holes their bullets had 
made, could scarcely believe their daring foe had 
escaped injury. But they were forced to believe he 
was still living from the fact that the canoe steadily 
progressed across and was not carried down-stream 
by the current. The whoop of the Shawnees had 
been heard by their comrades further down the 
bank. As the canoe reached the middle of the 
river, they caught a sight of it, and readily con- 
jectured the true state of the case. In a twinkling, 
two of their own were launched in pursuit. Dis- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


77 

covering this, Oonomoo arose to the upright posi- 
tion, and dipping his paddle deep in the water, sent 
his boat forward with astonishing swiftness. As 
it lightly touched the bank, he leaped ashore and 
pulled it up after him. Then uttering a defiant 
yell, he turned, and to show the scorn in which he 
held the Shawnees, walked slowly and deliberately 
into the forest. Once fairly beyond their sight, 
however, his pace quickened, and when the sun 
sunk low in the western horizon, he was many a 
mile from the Miami. 


78 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE YOUNG LIEUTENANT AND CATO. 


Suddenly rose from the South a light, as in autumn the blood-red 
Moon climbs the crystal walls of heaven, and o’er the horizon, 
Titan-like, stretches its hundred hands upon mountain and 
meadow, 

Seizing the rocks and the rivers and piling huge shadows together. 

Longfellow. 

From a long distance the conflagration had been 
visible, its light throwing a red glare far up in the 
sky, and revealing the huge clouds that swept for- 
ward like crimson avalanches, while the surround- 
ing trees glowed as if their branches were burning 
hot. Those nearest had their bark blistered and 
their leaves curled and scorched from the intense 
heat. A conflagration at night, when viewed from 
a distance, always seems awful in its sublimity. 
There is something calculated to inspire terror in 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


79 

the illuminated dome of the heavens and the onward 
sweep of this fearful element, when viewed in a 
civilized country; but it is only in the wilderness, 
away from the abode of man, that such an exhibi- 
tion partakes of all the elements of grandeur and 
terror. 

The solitary hunter, as he stood upon the banks 
of some lonely stream, leaned on his rifle and gazed 
with a beating heart at the brilliant redness that lit 
up so much of the sky. The beasts in their lair 
turned their glowing eyeballs toward the dreadful 
illumination, and stood transfixed with fear until 
its light died away; while the dark face of the 
vengeful Shawnee grew darker and more terrible 
as he gazed upon this work of his own hands. A 
silence, deep and profound, rested like a pall upon 
the wilderness and remained there until darkness 
again held undisputed reign. 

Lieutenant Canfield had seen the glowing light 
from a great distance, when its appearance was 
much like that of the moon as it comes up in the 
horizon. Little did he suspect its true nature. It 


go OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

was not until the next morning that he encountered 
Oonomoo, the Huron, who related the particulars 
of the attack of the Shawnee party upon the house 
of Captain Prescott and the capture of his daughter. 
Had not the impulsive Lieutenant thus learned of 
his beloved’s safety from massacre, had he not re- 
ceived the assurance of an immediate attempt for 
her recapture, there is no telling to what imprudent 
lengths he might have gone in his blind devotion to 
the young captive. Oonomoo remained with him 
but a short time, when he departed on his mission 
to the Shawnee village, and the lover continued on 
toward the estate of Captain Prescott. 

It was nearly noon when Lieutenant Canfield 
reached the place — now nothing but a mass of 
charred and blackened ruins. Leaving his horse 
in the woods, he dismounted and examined the re- 
mains of the mansion and smaller buildings. The 
ghastly corpses of the negroes still lay upon the 
ground, having been undisturbed, and with a feeling 
of heart-sickness the young soldier passed them by. 
In his profession, he had witnessed many revolting 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 8l 

sights, but none that affected him more than this. 
He shuddered, as he reflected that the very barbar- 
ians who had wantonly inflicted his woe were the 
captors of the adored daughter of Captain Prescott, 
and that they had inflicted as shocking outrages even 
upon such defenseless captives as she. 

Walking thus moodily forward, he was suddenly 
brought to a standstill by coming in front of an 
awkward, odd-looking structure, which excited his 
wonder in no small degree. The charred remains 
of the logs of one of the buildings had been col- 
lected together and piled one above the other, so 
that they bore some resemblance to a rudely-fash- 
ioned oven. From the circumstances of the case, 
these must have been arranged in this manner sub- 
sequently to the visit of the Shawnees, and it was 
this fact which awakened the curiosity of the Lieu- 
tenant. His first supposition was that it was the 
doings of the Huron. But what reason could he 
have had for rearing such a structure? What pos- 
sible purpose could it serve him? 

All at once it flashed upon the Lieutenant that it 


82 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

was the work of the Shawnees themselves, and he 
began to view the contrivance with some apprehen- 
sion. This feeling was considerably strengthened 
when he either heard or fancied he heard the move- 
ment of some one within it. Prudence dictated that 
he should place a little more distance between it 
and himself. Accordingly he began to retreat, walk- 
ing backward and keeping his gaze fixed upon it, 
ready for any demonstration from his concealed 
enemies. 

Suddenly something within the hollow of the 
structure fell with a dull thump that nearly lifted 
the Lieutenant from his feet. At the same moment 
he heard a suppressed growl, as if made by a caged 
bear. He now began to feel more wonder than 
fear. 

“ What in the name of creation is the meaning 
of that concern, and what sort of animal is caged in 
it ? ” he muttered, staying his retreat. 

The Lieutenant debated whether or not to ap- 
proach and examine the interior of the odd-looking 
hut. It seemed hardly possible that any human 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 83 

being could be within, although it was certain there 
was some living object there. 

“ At any rate I’ll stir him up,” he concluded, reso- 
lutely approaching. The growls were now redoub- 
led, and he really believed some four-footed animal 
was the cause of all the uproar. 

“ It may be the Shawnees have attempted a 
little pleasantry after their bloody work, and 
caged up some poor creature within those logs,” 
thought he. “ I’ll let him loose if such be the 
case.” 

He placed his hand upon the stump of a log near- 
est to him, when a thunderbolt appeared to have ex- 
ploded before him. He started back as though he 
had received an electric shock. A perfect battery 
of howls was leveled against him, and for a moment 
his ears were stunned with the deafening uproar. 
He determined, however, to solve the mystery. 
Giving the structure a push that brought it tumbling 
to the ground, he sprung back and held his rifle pre- 
pared for any foe, were he a four-footed or a two- 
footed one. Instead of either, what was his amaze- 


84 OONOMOO, THE HURON . 

ment to see a negro, as black as midnight, emerge 
from the ruins, and cringe at his feet. 

“ Oh, Mr. Injine, please don’t shoot! please don’t 
kill me! Nice, good Mr. Injine, don’t hurt me! 
Please don’t tomahawk poor Cato! He never hurt 
an Injine in all his life. Please don’t! Oh, don’t! 
don’t ! don’t ! boo-hoo ! oo !-oo-oo ! ” 

“ Get up, get up, Cato, and don’t make a fool of 
yourself,” said the Lieutenant, recognizing in the 
frightened negro the favorite servant of Captain 
Prescott’s family. 

“ Oh, please don’t hurt me ! Please don’t kill poor 
Cato! He never hurt good Injine in all his life! 
Please, good, nice Mr. Injine, let me go, and I’ll 
do anyt’ing you wants me to, and lubs you as long 
as I lib. Please, don’t hurt poor nigger Cato,” re- 
peated the servant, fairly beside himself with ter- 
ror. 

“ If you don’t want to be killed, get up,” said the 
young officer, sternly enough to bring Cato to his 
senses; but only after he had been assisted by what 
he supposed to be a ferocious Indian, ready to 



“If you don’t want to be killed, get up,” said the young officer. 

























' 





















OONOMOO, THE HURON. 87 

brain him, was he enabled to rise and to keep his 
feet. 

“ Don’t you know me, Cato ? ” asked the Lieuten- 
ant, laughing heartily at the woe-begone appearance 
of the negro. 

“ Hebens, golly! ain’t you an Injine, Massa Can- 
field ? ” he asked, his knees still shaking with terror.. 

“ Do I look like one ? ” 

“ Guess you isn’t, arter all,” added the negro,, 
with more assurance. “ Hebens, golly ! I ain't 
afeard!” he suddenly exclaimed, straightening up 
proudly. “ Didn’t t’ink Cato was afeard, Massa Can- 
field?” 

“ I must say that the circumstantial evidence of 
your cowardice is hard to resist.” 

The negro’s eyes enlarged as he heard the large 
words of the soldier, and his looks showed that he 
had no idea of their meaning. 

“ Doesn’t t’ink I’s afeard? ” 

“ Why did you build such a looking concern as 
that? ” 

“ Why I build dat? To keep de rain off of me.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ It hasn’t rained at all for several days.” 

“ Know dat, but, den, expect maybe ’twill. Bes’ 
to be ready for it when does come.” 

“ But, as there were no evidences of a storm com- 
ing very soon, why should you get in there just 
now?” 

“ Storms out in dese parts bust berry suddent 
sometimes. Oughter know dat, Massa Canfield.” 

“Yes, I do; but, why in the name of common 
sense did you set up such a growling when I came 
near your old cabin ? ” 

“ Did I growl at you ? ” 

“ Yes : made as much noise as a grizzly bear could 
have done.” 

“Done it jist for fun, Massa. Hebens, golly! 
wanted to see if you was afeard, too.” 

“ But,” said the soldier, assuming a more serious 
air, “ let the jesting cease. When did you put those 
logs together, Cato ? ” 

“Dis morning, arter dey went away,” he replied, 
with a shudder, casting a look of terror around 
him. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 89 

“ And when did they — the Shawnees — go 

away ? ” 

“Didn’t stay long, Massa; come in de night, 
berry late — bust on de house all at once.” 

Lieutenant Canfield felt a painful interest in all 
that related to Mary Prescott. Although the Huron 
had given him the principal incidents of the attack 
and massacre, he could not restrain himself from 
questioning the negro still further. 

“ Had you no warning of their approach ? ” 

“Nothing; didn’t know dey war about till dey 
war among us.” 

“ What was the first thing you heard, Cato ? Give 
me the particulars so far as you can remember.” 

“ Hebens, golly ! I’ll neber forgit dat night if I lib 
a fousand years. Wal, you see I and Big Mose had 
just gwane to bed and blowed de candle out -” 

“ Had Miss Mary retired ? ” 

“ Yes — she’d been gone a good while. You see, 
me and Big Mose am generally de last niggers dat 
am up, specially myself. I goes around for to see 
if de t’ings am all right about de house. Wal, me 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


90 

and Mose had been around to see if eberyt’ing was 
right, and was coming back from de barn and got 
purty near de house, when Mose whispers, * Cato, 
I see’d a man crawling on de ground back dar. I 
didn’t say nuffin’ for fear ob scaring ob you / 1 Oh ! 
git out/ says I, 4 you’s skeart.’ But I felt a little 
oneasy myself, ’cause I kind ob t’ought I heern 
somefin’ when we was a little furder off. I com- 
menced for to walk fast, and Big Mose commenced 
for to walk fast, and afore we knowed it, we bofe 
was a canterin’, and when we come aginst de door, 
we’d like to ’ve busted it in, we was tearing along 
so fast. We tumbled in ober each oder, and fas- 
tened dat door in a hurry you’d better beliebe.” 

" Wal, we went to our room, and blowed out de 
candle and said our prayers and went to bed. We 
hadn’t been laying dar long, when Big Mose turned 
ober toward me, and whispers, ‘ I tell you, Cato, dar 
am Injines about de house ’Cause why I see’d one, 
and I had a dream last night dat a whole lot ob 
dem comes here in de night and killed all of us 
niggers and burnt Missis Mary ! ’ Hebens, golly ! 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


91 

Massa Canfield, I begun to turn white about de gills 
when I heerd him say dat. Fd been shibering and 
shaking, and now I shook like de ager. I told Big 
Mose to be still and go to sleep, ’cause it seemed to 
me if I went to sleep when t’ings looked bad, dey 
would be all right agin in de mornin\ But, he 
wouldn’t be still and says, 4 1 tell you, Cato, dar ant 
Injines crawlin’ around ob dis house dis very min- 
ute, ’cause I can hear dar knees and hands on de 
ground.’ I couldn’t make Big Mose keep quiet. 
Bimeby, he says, * Cato, let’s git up and be ready for 
’em, for dey’re cornin’. I knows it, I ken feel it in 
my bones. Let’s wake up Missis Mary and de nig- 
gers and fight ’em, for dey’ll be here afore morning, 
sure.’ Wal, dat nigger worrid me awful. I told 
him I wouldn’t git up, but was going to sleep, and 
turned ober in bed, but I couldn’t keep my eyes 
shet. 

“ Bimeby, I heard Big Mose crawling soft-like 
out de bed. He was trying to make no noise, so he 
wouldn’t wake me, t’inking I was asleep. He 
stepped like a cat on de floor, and I listened to see 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


9 2 

what he was going to do. I heerd him move around 
and den all was still. ‘ What you doing, Mose ? ’ 
I axed. 4 I’m going to say my prayers/ he said, 
‘ and it’s de last time too, 'cause de Injines will soon 
be here.' I didn’t try to stop him, for I felt so bad, 
I commenced saying mine in de bed. 

“ Big Mose kept mumbling and crying for a 
long time, and I shaking more and more, when all 
at once, hebens, golly! I see’d somefin’ bright-like 
shine frough de winder, and I looked out and de 
barn was all afire. Den dar come a yell dat nearly 
blowed de roof off de house. Big Mose gib a 
screech and run, and bang-bang went a lot ob guns 
all around us. De Injines was dar, burnin’, toma- 
hawkin’, screechin’, shoutin’, and killin’ de poor 
n igg ers as fast as dey showed demselves. I see’d 
Miss Mary ” 

“ Did they harm her? ” 

“ No ! She didn’t ’pear skeart a bit. She tried 
to keep de Injines from killing de poor niggers, not 
t’inking anyt’ing about herself.” 


“ How was it that you escaped ? ” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


93 

“ I stayed where I was till I was nearly burnt 
up, when I sneaked out and none of ’em didn’t ’pear 
to notice me. I hid in de woods and stayed dar till 
mornin’.” 

“ Did you see anything more of Miss Mary ? ” 

“ Yes, I see’d de Injines go away purty soon, and 
take her along. Dey didn’t take any ob de niggers, 
’cause dey had killed ’em all but me, and I was al- 
ready dead, but I corned to agin.” 

“ None of Captain Prescott’s family were in the 
house besides Mary, were they ? ” asked the Lieu- 
tenant, asking a question of which he well knew 
the answer. 

“ Nobody else wan’t dar — bress de Lord 1 Missis 
Prescott and Helen went off on a visit to de settle- 
ment, t’ree, four days ago.” 

“ How was it Miss Mary remained behind ? ” 

“ Ki-yi ! you doesn’t know, eh ? ” said Cato, grin- 
ning vastly, in total forgetfulness, for the moment, 
of his dreadful surroundings. 

“ How should I know ? Of course, I do 
not.” 


94 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ Wal, den, Oonymoo, dat red Injine, told her as 
how maybe you’d be ’long dese parts ’bout dis time, 
and she ’eluded she’d be’t home when you called. 
Dot's how she was heah ! ” 

A thrill went through the gallant Lieutenant at 
this evidence of the affection of the fair maiden he 
had journeyed so far to see. Despite the heart- 
sickness which had come over him at sight of the 
revolting scenes around, he experienced a sort of 
pleasure from the words of the negro, and felt anx- 
ious for him to say more. 

“ How do you know, Cato, that this was the 
reason she remained behind ? ” 

“ Hebens, golly ! didn’t I hear her tell Missis 
so?” 

“ Her mother ? And what did she say ? ” 

“ Oh ! she and Missis Helen kinder laughed, and 
showed all dar white teef, and dey didn’t try to 
persuade her to go, ’cause dey knowed dar wan’t 
no use ob tryin’ to do nuffin’ like dat. She lubs the 
Lef tenant altogeder too much. Yah ! yah ! ” and 
Cato kicked up his heels, hugely delighted. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


95 

“ Have you told me when you built this house of 
yours ? ” 

“ T’ought I hahd. Done dat ar workmanship dis 
mornin’, arter all de Injines had gone. T’ought 
dar’d be somebody ’long dis way afore long.” 

“ There has been nothing saved,” said the Lieu- 
tenant, looking around and speaking apparently to 
himself. 

“ Noffin’ but dis poor nigger, and I don’t know 
what will become of him now dat he’s all alone,” 
said Cato, with a woe-begone demeanor. 

“ Have no anxiety upon that account. You shall 
be attended to. Captain Prescott and all his family 
are living, and, depend upon it, you will not suffer 
if he can prevent it.” 

“ But de house am gone — de horses — de corns 
— eberyt’ing but me.” 

The young soldier continued musing for a mo- 
ment and then asked: 

“How far from here is the settlement to which 
Mrs. Prescott has gone ? ” 


" Ten, fifteen or forty miles.” 


96 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

“ Can’t you tell me more precisely than that ? ” 

“ Somewhere atween ten and forty or fifty — dat’s 
all I can tell.” 

“ Have you ever been there yourself ? ” 

“ Offin — horseback.” 

“You know the way?” 

“ Jes’ as well as did from de house to de barn.” 

“ How would you like to go there ? ” 

“ What ! alone ? ” asked Cato, the old look of 
terror coming back to his countenance. 

“ Certainly — you have been there and back you 
said, didn’t you ? ” 

“ Yes, but bress your soul ! de Injines wan’t about 
den.” 

“ I guess there were as many as there are this 
minute.” 

“ Oh ! gracious ! I don’t want to go alone. What 
made ye ax me dat queshun ? ” 

“ Why, I thought this, Cato. You see I expect 
Oonomoo to return to this place by nightfall, when 
I intend to accompany him to the Shawnee village 
where Miss Mary is held captive ” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


97 


“ Goin’ to git her ? ” 

“We hope to. I was going to propose that you 
should make your way to the settlement and carry 
the news of this sad affair to Mrs. Prescott and her 
daughter, assuring her that the Huron and myself 
will do all we can to rescue Mary. They must have 
seen the light, last night, and no doubt are dread- 
fully anxious to learn whether it was their mansion 
or not. Besides, I doubt whether the Huron will 
be willing that you should accompany us.” 

“ Why won’t he ? I guess Cato knows enough to 
take care of his self. Alius has done it. Done it 
last night.” 

“We will let the matter rest until his return. It 
shall be as he says.” 

“ What time ’spect him ? ” 

“ In the course of a few hours. In the mean- 
time, there is another matter that must be attended 
to. Do you know whether there is a spade or shovel 
lying about?” 

“ Dunno ; guess dar is dough. I'll see in a min- 
ute.” 


gS OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

Cato ran some distance to where the charred re- 
mains of another building were heaped together, and 
searching among the ruins, brought forth a spade 
with a portion of the handle still left. 

“ What ye want to do dat ar ? ” he asked, as he 
brought it to the Lieutenant. 

“ We must bury those bodies, Cato. It would be 
wrong to deny them a decent burial when we possess 
the time and means. ,, 

Cato had a mortal horror of touching any creat- 
ure that was dead, but more than once he had wished 
that the corpses were placed in the ground, although 
he had not the courage to put them there. He 
showed no reluctance now to the performance of 
his portion of the task. 

“ You know how to dig, I presume ? ” asked the 
Lieutenant. 

“ Yis, I offin dug wid dis berry same spade. 
Whar’d you want thar graves ? ” 

“ One grave will answer for the four, and this 
spot will do as well as any other.” 

The soldier gave the proper directions, and the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


99 

negro commenced his labor at once. In an hour or 
two, he had hollowed out a grave, ready for the 
reception of the dead bodies. He could not conceal 
his repugnance to touching them, although he did 
not refuse to do so. 

“ Dat ar is poor Big Mose,” said he, as they took 
hold of a Herculean negro, who had been brained by 
the keen tomahawk. “ And he knowed the Injines 
war a-comin’ a long time afore dey did. Poor 
Mose,” he added, as the big tears trickled down his 
cheek, “ he neber will eat any more big suppers or 
come de double-shuffle or de back-action-spring by 
moonlight. Poor feller! he had a big heel and 
knowed how to handle it.” 

The body was carefully lowered into the grave, 
and the others, one by one, were placed beside it. 
It was a sight which haunted Lieutenant Canfield for 
many a night — those black, upturned corpses — 
awful evidences of the terrible passions of the Shaw- 
nees. The earth was carefully deposited over them 
and the last sad rites performed. 

The sun was now past the meridian, and the young 


IOO OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

soldier began to look momentarily for the appear- 
ance of the Huron. An hour or two had passed, 
when Cato spoke: 

“ Massa Canfield, ’tain’t noways likely dat ar In- 
jine will be along afore dark. Dat’s de time dem 
critters likes to travel, so what’s de use ob our waitin’ 
here so long. Oder Injines mought be around dese 
parts and wouldn’t it be a good idee to git in de 
woods whar dey wouldn’t be so apt to see us ? ” 

It struck the Lieutenant that there was some sense 
in the advice of the negro; so he concluded to act 
upon it. Moving away toward the wood, his foot 
struck and scattered a pile of black cinders lying 
near the ruins of the house. Looking down, he saw 
something glitter. What was his surprise to dis- 
cover in the ashes a gold watch and chain which he 
had often seen upon the neck of Mary Prescott. A 
portion of the chain had been melted by the intense 
heat, but by some singular means, the watch had 
been so well preserved that there was scarcely a 
blemish upon it. As he picked it up, Cato exclaimed, 
with rolling eyes: 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. j 0 I 

“ Dat is Miss Mary’s ! dat is Miss Mary’s ! ” 

“ It couldn’t have been around her neck, certainly, 
when it was lost.” 

“ No, she allers laid it on de stand aside her bed, 
and dat’s de way it got dar. See, dar’s de legs ob de 
stand.” 

It was as the negro said, and in the hope of finding 
some more of the valuables of the family, the soldier 
kicked the ashes and cinders hither and thither and 
searched among them for a considerable time. 
Nothing further rewarded him, however. Placing 
the watch upon his own person, he went on, across 
the edge of the clearing, into the woods beyond. He 
led his horse further into their protection, and then 
beckoned the negro to his side. 

“ Do you feel sleepy, Cato ? ” 

“ No ! what’d you ax that fur ? ” 

“ Well I do, and I am going to try to get a little 
sleep. I wish you to keep watch of the clearing 
while I do.” 

“ Don’t ’spect none of dem Injines will be back 


here?” 


102 


00N0M00, THE HURON. 


“ No, but Oonomoo will probably soon be. I 
want you to see him the minute he comes, and 
awaken me so that there shall be no unnecessary de- 
lay.” 

Cato promised to obey, and took his station nearer 
the clearing, while the fatigued soldier stretched 
himself upon the ground and was soon wrapped in 
a dreamless slumber. 

Lieutenant Canfield slept until nearly sunset, and 
would have slept even longer had he not been aroused 
by Cato roughly shaking his shoulder. 

“ Why, what’s the matter ? 99 he asked, looking 
up in the terror-stricken countenance of the 
negro. 

“ Hebens, golly ! dey’ve come ! 99 

“ Who has come ? what are you talking about ? ” 

“ De Injines. Dar’s forty fousand of ’em out dar 
in de clearing ! ” 

Considerably flurried by the husky words of his 
sable friend, Lieutenant Canfield arose and walked 
stealthily toward the clearing to satisfy himself in 
regard to the cause of the negro’s excessive fear. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


103 

“Be keerful, or dey’ll see you,” admonished the 
latter, following several yards behind. 

Approaching as near the edge of the wood as he 
deemed prudent, he was rewarded by the sight of 
some six or eight Indians — undoubtedly Shawnees 
— who were examining the ruins that lay around 
them with considerable curiosity. They were ugly- 
looking customers in their revolting war-paint and 
fantastic costumes, and the Lieutenant felt that the 
wisest plan he could adopt was to give them a wide 
berth. Withdrawing further into the wood, he asked 
the negro when he had first seen them. 

“ Massa Canfield, I stood and watched out dar 
for two, free hours till I fell asleep myself and come 
down kerwollup on de ground. I laid dar a good 
while afore I woke, and de fust t’ing I see’d when I 
looked out dar, war dem Injines walking round, 
kickin’ up t’ings and makin’ darselves at home 
ginerally. You’d better beliebe I trabeled fast to tell 
you ob it.” 

“ From which direction do you think they come? ” 

“ Dunno, but I t’inks de way dey looks dat dey 


I04 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

come purty near from dis way, mighty clus to whar 
we’s standin’ ; and I t’inks dey’ll take de same route 
to git back agin. ,, 

Somehow or other, the Lieutenant had the same 
impression as the negro. It was so strong upon him 
that he resolved to change their position at once. 
Accordingly, he proceeded to where his horse was 
tied, and unfastening, led him into the wood. Mak- 
ing a detour , he came back nearly upon the opposite 
side of the clearing, where, if possible, the wood 
was still thicker. Here they carefully screened 
themselves from observation and watched the Shaw- 
nees. 

Hither and thither they passed, searching among 
the ruins for plunder, occasionally turning up some 
trifle upon which they pounced with the avidity of 
children, and examining the half-burnt remnants of 
chairs, tables and stands, etc. Here and there they 
pulled the black, twisted nails forth, that looked like 
worms burnt to a cinder, and carefully preserved 
them for future use. Every metallic substance was 
seized as a prize, and some of the wooden portions of 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


105 

instruments were also appropriated. Thin twists of 
smoke still ascended from different spots in the 
clearing, and the ashes when stirred showed the red 
live coals beneath them. 

“ Yah ! yah ! dat feller’s got sumkin’ nice,” said 
Cato, laughing heartily and silently at one of the 
Indians, who had pulled forth a long board with 
evident delight. Turning it over, he balanced it on 
his shoulder and was walking rapidly away, when 
suddenly he sprung several feet in the air with a 
yell of agony, and jumped from beneath it, rubbing 
his shoulder very violently as if suffering acute pain. 

“ Yah ! yah ! knowed ’twould do dat. Lower part 
all afire, and reckoned it burnt him a little.” 

The Indian continued dancing around for several 
moments, not ashamed to show to his companions 
how much he suffered. He by no means was the 
only one who was caught in this manner. Very of- 
ten, a savage would spring from the ground, with 
a sharp exclamation, as some coal pierced through 
his moccasin, and now and then another could be 
seen, slapping his fingers against his person, after 


106 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

he had hastily dropped some object. One eager 
Shawnee attempted to draw a red-hot nail from a 
slab with his thumb and finger, and roasted the ends 
of both by the operation, while a second seated him- 
self upon a board which set fire to the fringe of his 
hunting-shirt. He did not become aware of it until 
a few minutes later, when, in walking around, the 
fire reached his hide. Placing his hand behind him, 
he received unmistakable evidence of its presence, 
when he set up a loud whoop and started at full 
speed for the spring, reaching which, he seated him- 
self in it, before he felt entirely safe. 

These, and many other incidents, amused the 
Lieutenant for the time being, while the delight of 
Cato was almost uncontrollable. He seemed in dan- 
ger of apoplexy several times from the efforts he 
made to subdue his laughter. But, all at once there 
was a sudden cessation in his mirth, and a visible 
lengthening of his visage. Grasping the shoulder of 
the soldier, he exclaimed: 

“ Look dar ! Look dar ! See dem ! ” 

“ I see nothing to alarm us." 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


10 7 

“ Look dar whar we went into the clearin'. Don’t 
you see dem Injines dar?” 

Lieutenant Canfield did see something that 
alarmed him. The whole eight Indians had fol- 
lowed the track of himself and the negro to the edge 
of the wood, where they had halted and were con- 
sulting together. They certainly must have noticed 
it before, but had probably been too busy to examine 
it particularly. It had never once occurred to the 
white man that this evidence of his presence would 
tell against him, but he now saw the imminent peril 
in which he and the negro were placed. 

“We must flee, Cato,” said he. “ Fortunately it 
will soon be dark, when they cannot follow us.” 

“ Will we bofe git on de hoss ? ” asked the fright- 
ened negro. 

“ No ; it will do no good. Let us take to the 
woods. Hush ! What’s that ? ” 

Just as they were about moving, the sharp report 
of a rifle came upon their ears, and with a loud 
whoop the Shawnees rushed off in a body, taking an 
easterly direction, which was different from that 


108 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

followed by the soldier and negro. Now that all 
immediate danger was gone, the two remained be- 
hind, to learn, if possible, the cause of the mysterious 
shot and subsequent action of the Shawnees. 

It was not until night, when Oonomoo, the Huron, 
returned, that the cause was made known. He had 
approached several hours before, and seen the sav- 
ages in consultation, and divined the cause of it. 
To divert them from pursuing his two friends, whom 
they would most certainly have captured, he dis- 
charged his piece among them, and then purposely 
showed himself to draw them after him. The strata- 
gem succeeded as well as he could have wished. He 
easily eluded them, until they had followed him 
some distance in the woods, when he made his way 
back again to the clearing, where he rejoined the 
Lieutenant and the negro. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


109 


CHAPTER V. 

THE HOME OF THE HURON. 


*Tis nature’s worship — felt — confessed, 

Far as the life which warms the breast I 
The sturdy savage midst his clan, 

The rudest portraiture of man, 

In trackless woods and boundless plains, 

Where everlasting wildness reigns, 

Owns the still throb — the secret start — 

The hidden impulse of the heart. — Byron. 

The Huron, after his escape from the Shawnees, 
quickened his pace, as we have stated, and went 
many a mile before he changed his long, sidling trot 
into the less rapid walk. When he did this, it was 
upon the shore of a large creek, which ran through 
one of the wildest and most desolate regions of 
Ohio. In some portions the banks were nothing 
more than a continuous swamp, the creek spreading 


II0 OONOMOO, THE HVROH. 

out like a lake among the reeds and undergrowth, 
through which glided the enormous water-snake, 
frightened at the apparition of a man in this lonely 
spot. The bright fish darted hither and thither, their 
sides flashing up in the sunlight like burnished silver. 

The agile Indian sprung lightly from one turf of 
earth to another, now balancing himself on a rotten 
stump or root, now walking the length of some 
fallen tree, so decayed and water-eaten that it mashed 
to a pulp beneath his feet, and then leaping to some 
other precarious foothold, progressing rapidly all 
the time and with such skill that he hardly wetted 
his moccasin. 

While treading a log thus, which gave back a hol- 
low sound, the head of an immense rattlesnake pro- 
truded from a hole in the tree, its tail giving the 
deadly alarm, as it continued issuing forth, as if de- 
termined to dispute the passage of man in this deso- 
late place. The fearless Huron scarcely halted. 
While picking his way through the swamp he had 
carried his rifle lightly balanced in his left hand, and 
he now simply changed it to his right, grasping it 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. IXI 

by the muzzle, so that the stock was before him. 
He saw the cavernous mouth of the snake opened 
to an amazing width ; the thin tongue, that resem- 
bled a tiny stream of blood; the small, glittering 
eyes; the horn-like fangs, at the roots of which he 
well knew were the sacks filled almost to bursting 
with the most deadly of all poisons; the thin neck, 
swelling out until the scaly belly of the loathsome 
reptile was visible. 

The Huron continued steadily approaching the re- 
volting thing. He was scarcely a yard distant when 
the neck of the snake arched like a swan's, and the 
head was drawn far back to strike. In an instant 
the stock of his rifle swept over the top of the log 
with the quickness of lightning. There followed a 
sharp, cracking noise, like the explosion of a percus- 
sion-cap, and the head of the rattlesnake spun twenty 
feet or more out over the swamp. It struck the 
branch of a tree, and, dropping to the water, sunk 
out of sight. The headless body of the reptile now 
writhed and doubled over itself, and smote the tree 
in the most horrible agony. Oonomoo walked 


U2 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

quietly forward, and with his feet shoved it from 
the log. Still twisting and interlocking, it sunk 
down, down, down into the clear spring-like waters 
until it could be seen on the gravelly bottom, where 
its struggles continued as he passed on. 

Not affected by this occurrence, the Huron walked 
on as quietly as before, his dark, restless eye seem- 
ingly flitting over every object within his range of 
vision. The character of the swamp continued much 
the same. A broad sheet of water, from nearly every 
portion of which rose numerous trees, like thin, 
dark columns, here and there twisted round and 
round, and, seemingly, smothered by some luxuriant 
vine; others prostrate, the roots sunk out of sight, 
and the trunk protruding upward, as if a giant had 
used them for spears and hurled them into the 
swamp ; shallow portions, where the water was but 
a few inches deep, and then others, where you could 
gaze down for twenty feet, as if you were looking 
through liquid air. These were the peculiarities of 
this singular spot in the wilderness, through which 
the Huron was journeying. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


113 

He must have proceeded fully a half-mile into 
this water wilderness, when he reached what might 
properly be termed the edge of the swamp ; that is, 
the one through which he had been making his way, 
for there was still another a short distance from him. 
The growth of trees terminated almost in a mathe- 
matical line, and a lake of water, something less 
than a quarter of a mile in width, stretched out 
before him, perfectly clear of every obstruction. 
The Indian stood a long time, looking about in every 
direction. What was unusual, there was an expres- 
sion of the most intense anxiety upon his counte- 
nance. Well might there be; for, sooner than to 
have a human eye (whether it was that of the white 
or red man) to witness the movements he was now 
about to make, he would have suffered death at the 
stake a thousand times ! 

Apparently satisfied, he laid his rifle on the tree 
upon which he had been standing, and then sprung 
out into the deeper water, sinking like a stone from 
sight. When he came to the surface, he brought 
something with him, which proved to be a canoe. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


1 14 

With this he swam to the tree, where he righted and 
turned the water from it. A paddle was secured 
in it. Taking his seat, the canoe went skimming like 
a swallow over the water toward the opposite swamp. 

Reaching this, he shot in among the trees, avoid- 
ing them with as much ease and dexterity as would 
a bird on the wing. Going a hundred yards in this 
manner, he arose in his canoe and looked around. 
A shade of displeasure crossed his face, apparently 
of disappointment at not discovering some person or 
object for whom he was looking. Waiting a mo- 
ment, he placed his thumb on his mouth, and gave 
utterance to a low, tremulous whistle, an exact imi- 
tation of a bird often found in the American 
swamps. A moment later, there came a response 
exactly the same, except that it sounded fainter and 
a considerable distance away. The moment it caught 
the ear of the Huron, he reseated himself and 
folded his arms in the attitude of patient waiting. 

Scarce five minutes had elapsed, when the plash 
of another paddle was heard, and a second canoe 
made its appearance, carefully approaching that of 



“Niniotan, my son, is late.” 



































































































































































































OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


II 7 

the Huron. In it was seated an Indian boy, not 
more than twelve years of age, who handled it with 
a skill scarcely second to that of his father, Oono- 
moo. 

“ Niniotan, my son, is late,” said the latter, 
sternly, as the boy came alongside. 

“ I was chasing a deer this morning, and was car- 
ried further in the woods than I thought,” meekly 
replied the boy. 

“ Has the Moravian missionary given Niniotan 
two tongues that he should think Oonomoo speaks 
idle words ? ” 

“ Niniotan does not think so,” said the son, in a 
humble voice of thrilling sweetness. 

“ Oonomoo said when the sun was over yonder 
tree-top he would be waiting for his boy Niniotan. 
He waited, but Niniotan was not here.” 

The son of the Huron warrior bowed his head as 
if he had nothing to say to the merited rebuke. The 
father took his seat in the canoe of his son, who 
carried him rapidly forward through the swamp, for 
perhaps a quarter of a mile further, when the ground 


H8 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

became so solid that they landed and walked upon 
it. The grass was green and luxuriant, the trees 
stood close together, and in some places the shrub- 
bery seemed almost impenetrable. But Niniotan 
never hesitated. The way was perfectly familiar. 
A rabbit could scarcely have glided through the 
wood with more dexterity than did he and his father. 

Finally the two reached what appeared to be a 
large mound of earth, covered over with rank grass 
and brilliant flowers. On one side was a perfect 
bank of bushes, so that the mound could not be seen 
until it was closely approached. A Shawnee Indian 
might have encamped beside it, without once hav- 
ing his suspicion awakened in regard to its nature. 
This was the retreat and home of Oonomoo, the 
friendly Huron, where his wife, Fluellina, and son, 
Niniotan, dwelt, which was regularly visited by him, 
and where he frequently spent days, enjoying the 
sweets of home. No living person besides these 
three knew of its existence. It stood upon this vast 
island in the midst of this swamp, almost inacces- 
sible to approach, and where no one would have 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


1 19 

dreamed of looking for the dwelling place of a 
human being. The surrounding waters were as cold 
and clear as crystal, and were swarming with the 
choicest fish. Abundance of game was upon the 
land, and, what might seem curious, considering the 
location of the island, its air possessed an extraor- 
dinary degree of salubrity. 

The mound was but a mere shell, the interior of 
which was lined with luxurious furs and skins, and 
furnished with every convenience and comfort that 
the fancy of a warrior’s wife might covet. Within, 
too, were numerous presents, such as rifles, knives, 
pistols, beads and picture-books which had been 
given Oonomoo by his numerous white friends. In 
addition there was a magnificent gold watch — a gift 
from a wealthy lady, whose life the Huron had saved 
several years before. Hearing that he had a young 
wife, she sent the present to her, and it had hung 
within their “ wigwam ” ever since. It’s use was 
understood, and it was regularly wound and at- 
tended to with great care. 

Fluellina, the wife of Oonomoo, was also a Huron, 


I 


120 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

who had been educated at one of the Moravian mis- 
sionary stations in the West, and was a professing 
Christian. She was a mild, dove-eyed creature, a 
number of years younger than her husband, whom 
she loved almost to adoration, and for whom she 
would not have hesitated to lay down her life at any 
moment. She had had another child — a boy, born 
two years before Niniotan, but he had died 
when but six years of age, and was buried in the 
clear depths of the water which surrounded his 
home. 

Regularly every month, Fluellina, accompanied by 
her son, visited a Moravian missionary who dwelt 
with his family on the site of the once flourishing 
station of Gnadenhutten, where, in 1782, was enacted 
one of the darkest episodes in American history. 
It was here the infamous monster. Colonel William- 
son, murdered the one hundred Moravian Indians 
— a crime for which it seems a just God would have 
smitten him and his followers to the earth. Here 
this faithful Huron woman and her son received 
instruction in holy things from the aged missionary 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. j 2 I 

— a white man who alone knew the relation which 
she bore to the famous Huron, Oonomoo, and who 
never betrayed it to his dying day. By this means, 
her regular visits were rendered safe and free from 
the annoyance of being watched — an exemption she 
never could have had, had any one else suspected 
the truth. 

Fluellina succeeded in inducing her husband to 
visit this missionary on several occasions, when he 
proved an attentive listener to the aged disciple of 
God. He took in every doctrine and subscribed to 
every truth except one — that of loving his enemies. 
He believed he never could love the Shawnees — 
they who had first caused his father to be broken of 
his chiefdom, and then had murdered his mother. 
He had sworn eternal hatred against them, and in 
the interior of his lodge hung such an incredible 
number of their scalps that we decline to name it 
— knowing that we should be suspected of trifling 
with the credulity of our readers. He had never 
taken the scalp of a white man, and would promise 
never to harm any being except the Shawnees ; but, 


1 22 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


toward them his feelings must be those of the dead- 
liest enmity. 

The sublime truths of the great Book of books, its 
glorious promises, and its awful mysteries, thrilled 
the soul of the Huron to its center, and many a 
time when wandering alone through the great, sol- 
emn forests, he felt his spirit expanding within him, 
until his eyes overflowed, and he, the mighty, scarred 
warrior, wept like a child. The sweet instruction, 
too, of the gentle Fluellina had not been lost en- 
tirely upon him. It was owing to these that for a 
year he had not taken the scalp of a Shawnee, 
though he had been sorely tempted and had slain 
more than one. He could not yet bring himself to 
the point of letting them go free altogether. 

With this somewhat lengthy parenthesis, we will 
now return to the present visit of the Huron to his 
island home. 

Oonomoo was about to pass into the interior of 
the lodge, when a light exclamation caught his ear. 
As he turned his head, Fluellina came bounding to 
his arms. However stoical and indifferent the North 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


123 

American Indian may appear in the presence of his 
companions or of white men, it is a mistake to sup- 
pose that he is wanting either in the ordinary af- 
fections of humanity, or in those little demonstra- 
tions of love so peculiar to our own race. Deep in 
the woods, when alone with their families, they 
throw off restraint and are warriors no more — but 
men. The little child is dandled on the knee, or 
sported with upon the grass, and the proud mother 
receives her share of her husband’s caresses. Great 
as may be the glory of the savage in the hunt and 
chase, his happiness in the bosom of his own family 
is unsurpassed by any other enjoyment which ever 
falls to his lot. 

Fluellina received the embrace of her husband 
with a radiant countenance, and she seemed over- 
flowing with joy as she looked up in his own glow- 
ing face. Taking her fondly by the hand, he led 
her a few yards away, where he seated her upon a 
half-imbedded rock and placed himself beside her. 
A glance at the two would have shown that there 
was no considerable difference in their ages. The 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


124 

wife could not have been over thirty at the most, 
and she looked much younger, while the husband 
was perhaps thirty-five. His square, massive chest 
was covered with scars — eloquent evidences of his 
bravery, for he had never received a wound in the 
back. His face, usually so stern and dignified, was 
now softened, and the bright, metallic glitter of eye 
was changed to the sparkle of gladness. 

The handsome, symmetrical arms of Fluellina 
were bare to the shoulder, and Oonomoo held one in 
his broad palm, closing and opening upon the plump 
flesh and delicate muscle, with as much admiration 
as though he were still her young and ardent lover. 
They sat thus, gazing into each other’s face for 
several moments without speaking, so full seemed 
their hearts. Finally Oonomoo seated himself upon 
the ground at the feet of Fluellina and leaned his 
head over upon her lap. This was what she wished, 
and she had maneuvered in that delicate manner pe- 
culiar to her sex, by which the desire of the lover 
is awakened without his suspecting the true cause. 

Unfastening the bindings of his hair, she parted 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


125 

it carefully and drew her fingers slowly through and 
through it until it glistened like satin. She did not 
speak, for she had no desire to disturb the languor 
which she knew it cast over her husband. As his 
head drooped, she sustained it and gradually ceased, 
until he slept. 

Oonomoo awoke in a short time, and reseated him- 
self by the side of his wife. 

“Where is Niniotan?” he asked, looking around 
him. 

“ He is dressing the meat of the deer which he 
slew this morning. Shall I call him ? ” 

“ No, I am not yet tired of my Fluellina.” 

The happy wife replied by placing her warm cheek 
against his, and holding it there a moment. 

“ Oonomoo has no wounds upon him,” said she, 
raising her head and looking at his breast and shoul- 
ders. 

“ But he has been in danger.” 

“ No scalps hang at his girdle.” 

“ And none shall ever hang there again.” 

“Not the scalp of the Shawnee?” 


126 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ No,” replied the Huron, in a voice as deep and 
solemn as a distant peal of thunder. 

Fluellina looked at her husband a moment, with 
her face lit up by a strange expression. Then, as 
she read the determination impressed upon his 
countenance, and knew the sacredness w T ith which 
he regarded his pledged word, she sunk down on her 
knees, and clasping her hands, turned her dark, soul- 
ful eyes to heaven and uttered the one exclamation : 
“ Great Spirit, I thank thee ! ” 

The kneeling Indian woman, her face radiant with 
a holy happiness, the stern warrior, his dark counte- 
nance lighted up as he gazed down upon her as if 
the long obscured sun had once more struggled from 
behind the clouds — these two silent figures in the 
green wood of their island home formed a picture 
touchingly beautiful and sublime. 

Who can picture the glory that illuminated the 
soul of the Huron warrior, the divine bliss that went 
thrilling through his very being, as he uttered this 
vow, and felt within him the consciousness that 
never, never again would he be overcome by the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


1 27 

temptation to tear the scalp from the head of his 
enemy, the vengeful Shawnee. 

“ When has Fluellina seen the Moravian mis- 
sionary ? ” he asked, as she reseated herself beside 
him. 

“ But a short time since. He inquired of Oono- 
moo. ,, 

“ Oonomoo will visit him soon.” 

“ Can he not go with Fluellina to-day ? ” 

“ When the sun is yonder,” replied the Huron, 
pointing to a place which it would reach in about 
half an hour, “ he must go, and when the sun 
sinks in the west, he must be many miles from 
here.” 

“ When will he return again ? ” 

“ He cannot tell. He goes to befriend the white 
man and maid who is in the hands of the Shaw- 
nees.” 

“ Fluellina will wait and will pray for Oonomoo 
and for them.” 

“ Oonomoo will pray for himself, and his arm 
will be strong, for he fights none but warriors.” 


128 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ And Niniotan will grow up like him ; he will be 
a brave warrior who, I pray, will take no scalp from 
the head of his foe.” 

“ What think the missionary of Niniotan?” 

“ He finds that the blood of Oonomoo flows 
strong in his veins. His eye burns, and his breast 
pants when he hears of the great deeds his father 
has performed, and he prays that he may go with 
him upon the war-path.” 

“He shall accompany him shortly. He can aim 
the rifle, and his feet are like those of the deer. He 
shall be a man whose name shall make the Shawnee 
warriors tremble in their lodges.” 

“ Shall he be a merciful warrior ? ” asked Flue- 
lina, looking up in the face of the Huron. 

“ Like his father, shall he be. He shall slay none 
but men in rightful combat, and no scalp shall ever 
adorn his lodge. He must drink in the words of the 
Moravian missionary.” 

“ He does, but his heart is young. He will be 
valiant and merciful, but he longs to emulate the 
deeds of Oonomoo — his father.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


I29 

“ I will teach him to emulate what Oonomoo will 
do, not what he has done.” 

“ He counts the scalps that hang in our lodge, and 
wonders why they do not increase. He gazes long 
and often upon those which you tore years ago from 
the heads of the two chiefs, and I know he burns to 
gain a trophy for himself.” 

“ Has Fluellina the choicest food these forests can 
afford?” 

“ The eye of Niniotan is sure, and his mother 
never wants.” 

“ He must not wander from the island, else his 
young arm may be overpowered by the Shawnees or 
Miamis. They would know he was the son of 
Oonomoo, and through the son murder the father 
and mother.” 

“ Fluellina loves but three — Oonomoo, Niniotan, 
and,” she added, reverentially raising her eyes to 
heaven, “ the Great Spirit who is so kind to her.” 

“And Oonomoo loves him,” added the Huron, 
in his deep, bass voice. “ In the hunting-grounds 
beyond the sun, he and Fluellina and Niniotan will 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


130 

again live together on some green island in the 
forest, where the buffalo and deer wander in bands 
of thousands/’ 

“ And where Delaware, Mingo, Chippewa, Miami, 
Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Huron, and the 
white man shall be brothers, and war against each 
other no more.” 

The Huron made no reply, for the words of his 
wife had awakened a train of reflection to which he 
had been a stranger. The thought that all the In- 
dians, every tribe that had lived since the foundation 
of the world — those who were now the most im- 
placable enemies to each other, the French, English 
and Americans — the thought of these living together 
in the Spirit Land in perfect brotherhood and good- 
will, was too startling for him to accept until Fluel- 
lina again spoke : 

“ It is only the good Delaware, Mingo, Chippewa, 
Miami, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Huron, 
and white man that shall live there.” 

It was all plain now to the simple-minded Indian, 
and he understood and believed. He sat a few mo- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


131 

ments, as if ruminating upon this new theme, and 
then said gently to his wife : 

“ Read out of Good Book to Oonomoo. ,, 

Fluellina drew a small Bible from her bosom, one 
that she always carried with her, and opening at the 
Revelations, commenced to read in a clear, sweet and 
distinct voice. The inspired grandeur, sublime 
truths and glorious descriptions of that most wonder- 
ful of all books thrilled her soul to its center with 
emotions unutterable; and she knew that the same 
effect, though perhaps in a lesser degree, was pro- 
duced upon her husband. The particular portion 
was the twenty-first chapter, whose meaning the 
Moravian missionary had frequently explained to 
her, and it was these verses in particular upon 
which she frequently dwelt with such awed rap- 
ture : 

“ * And he carried me away in the spirit to a great 
and high mountain, and showed me the great city, 
the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from 
God, 

“ * Having the glory of God ; and her light was 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


132 

like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper 
stone, clear as crystal ; 

“ ‘ And had a wall, great and high, and had twelve 
gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names 
written thereon, which are the names of the twelve 
tribes of Israel. 

“ ‘ And the building of the wall of it was of 
jasper; and the city was pure gold, like unto clear 
glass. 

“ ■ And the foundations of the wall of the city 
were garnished with all manner of precious stones. 
The first foundation was jasper; the second, sap- 
phire ; the third, a chalcedony ; the fourth, an 
emerald ; 

“ ‘ The fifth, sardonyx ; the sixth, sardius ; the 
seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a 
topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus ; the eleventh, a 
jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 

“ ‘ And the twelve gates were twelve pearls ; every 
several gate was of one pearl ; and the street of 
the city was pure gold, as it were transparent 
glass. 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


133 

“ ‘ And I saw no temple therein ; for the 
Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple 
of it. 

“ ‘ And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by 
day ; for there shall be no night there/ ” 

The dim, vague glimpses afforded him from this 
and other portions of the book of the awful mys- 
teries of the Last Day, the New Jerusalem, and the 
great white Throne, threw a spell over him which 
remained long after the words of the reader had 
ceased. Full ten minutes, he sat, after the volume 
had been closed ; then raising his head, said : 

“ The sun is getting in the western sky, and 
Oonomoo must depart/’ 

The wife did not seek to detain her husband. The 
wife of an Indian warrior never does. She merely 
walked beside him, while he signaled for his son to 
approach. He had scarce uttered the call, when 
Niniotan came bounding from the wood eager to 
obey the slighest wish of his father. Seeing from 
his actions that he was about to depart, he lingered 
behind until his mother had bidden him good-by, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


134 

and paused; then he leaped ahead, leading the way 
as before. 

The canoe reached, Oonomoo stepped within it, 
and Niniotan paddled him out among the trees until 
he came to where his own canoe was moored, into 
which the Huron stepped. As he was about to dip 
the paddle, he said : “ Let Niniotan wait until Oono- 
moo returns, and he shall go with him upon the next 
war-path.” 

No pen can picture the glowing happiness that lit 
up the features of the boy at hearing these words. 
His dark eyes fairly danced, and he seemed unable 
to control his joy. His whole frame quivered, and 
he dipped his own paddle into the water, he bent it 
almost to breaking. Without noticing him further, 
Oonomoo sent his canoe spinning among the trees, 
and was soon in the broad sheet of water, crossing 
which, he reached the spot where he had brought up 
his boat. Stepping out upon the log, he secured the 
paddle to it, and then turning it over, filled it with 
water. It slowly sunk until it could be seen resting 
upon the bottom, when he sprung from the tree and 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


135 

commenced his departure from the swamp in the 
same manner that he had entered it. 

Once again in the grand old forest, with the 
mossy carpet beneath his feet, and the magnificent 
arches over his head, through which the breezes 
came like the cool breath of the ocean, the Huron 
struck into his peculiar rapid trot, which was con- 
tinued until sunset, by which time he reached the 
clearing. Approaching it in his usual cautious man- 
ner, he saw the Shawnees consulting together, and 
at the first glance understood the peril of his friends. 
We have related the measures which he took to save 
them, and shown how successful they were. 


136 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


CHAPTER VI. 

ADVENTURES ON THE WAY. 


The paths which wound ’mid gorgeous trees, 

The streams whose bright lips kissed the flowers, 

The winds that swelled their harmonies. 

Through these sun-hiding bowers, 

The temple vast, the green arcade, 

The nestling vale, the grassy glade, 

Dark cave and swampy lair ; 

These scenes and sounds majestic, made 

His world, his pleasures, there. — A. B. Street. 

“ You have saved our lives,” exclaimed Lieuten- 
ant Canfield, as the dusky form of the Huron ap- 
peared beside him. 

“ Ain’t hurt, eh ? den we go,” said he, not noticing 
the remark. 

“ No, neither of us is hurt.” 

“ I beliebes a bullet struck me aside de head,” said 





OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


139 

Cato, removing his cap, and scratching his black 
poll. 

“ A bullet struck you ? ” repeated the Lieutenant, 
in astonishment. “ Where did it hit you ? ” 

“ When dat gun went off, sunkin’ struck me slap 
right above my ear, and I t’ought I felt it flatten 
dar.” 

“ Fudge ! you are not hurt. But I say, Oonomoo,” 
resumed the soldier, with a more determined air, 
“ you have saved me, and I want to grasp your hand 
for it.” 

The Huron extended his hand, but it hung limp in 
that of the ardent young man. It was easy to see 
that the iterated thanks were distasteful to him. 
He said nothing until the jubilant Cato also made a 
spring at it as soon as it was released. 

“ Nebber mind — nottin’ — Oonomoo do nottin’.” 

“ Hebens, golly ! yes, you did. If you hadn't 
come jes’ as you did, I'd had to fout de Injines all 
alone, single-handed, widout any feller to help me, 
and, like as not, would’ve got hurt.” 

“ Can’t hurt Cato’s head — hard,” said the Huron, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


I40 

dropping his hand upon the superabundant wool of 
the negro, and allowing it to bound up as if an 
elastic cushion were beneath it. “ Make nice scalp 
— Shawnee like it,” added the Indian, still toying 
with it. 

“ De Lord bless me ! I hopes he nebber will get 
it, and he nebber will if I can hender dem.” 

It was now quite dark, and, to the surprise of the 
Lieutenant, a round, full, bright moon appeared 
above the forest. The preceding night had been 
without a moon to light up the cloudy heavens ; but 
there was scarcely a cloud visible now in the sky. 
Here and there a small fleck floated overhead, like a 
handful of snow cast there by some giant, while not 
a breath of wind disturbed the tree-tops. All was 
silent and gloomy as the tomb. 

“ When are we to go to the Shawnee village ? ” 
asked the Lieutenant. 

“ Now ! ” replied the Huron. 

“ Then why do you linger ? ” 

“ Cato go with us ? ” 

“ That is just as you say, Oonomoo. If you think 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


141 

it imprudent to take him along, he must remain 
behind.” 

“ You ain’t agoin’ to leab me here, be you ? ” 

“ Know de way to settlement ? ” asked the 
Huron. 

“ No, no; I (recollecting what he had told the 
Lieutenant) did know de way once , but, Fs afraid 
Fve forgot it. My mem’ry is gittin’ poor.” 

“ You find de way — must go-— can’t stay wid 
us.” 

“ Oh, gorry ! don’t leab me among de Injines ; dey 
will eat me up alive ! ” replied the negro, bellowing 
like a bull. 

Canfield saw the glitter of the Huron’s eyes, and 
taking Cato by the arm, said : 

“ Let us hear no more of this, Cato, or you will 
arouse the anger of Oonomoo, and there is no telling 
what he may do.” 

“ But, Fs afraid to go t’rough de dark woods, dat 
am full of de Shawnees,” said the negro, in pitiful 
accents. 

“ It will be no more dangerous than to go with us. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


I42 

We shall probably find ourselves right among them 
before long ; while, if you are cautious, there is little 
probability of your encountering them. Go, Cato, 
and tell Mrs. Prescott and Helen what has happened, 
but do not exaggerate it. Tell them, for me, that 
they can hope for the best, and that they shall soon 
hear from Oonomoo and myself.” 

The words of the Lieutenant had the desired 
effect upon the negro. When he saw that he had but 
a choice between two dangers, he prudently took 
that which seemed to be the least, replying that, 
“ all t’ings ’sidered, ’twould be ’bout as well to tote 
off to de settlement, and guv de news to de folks 
dar.” He added that he was not influenced by 
“ pussonal fear, but was simply actin’ on de advice 
ob de Leftenant.” 

Accordingly, Cato took his departure. Our two 
friends watched him as he shuffled across the clear- 
ing, and finally disappeared in the shadowy wood 
beyond. 

Then the Huron turned to the duty before him. 
Taking a northerly direction, he proceeded at such a 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


143 

rapid walk that the young soldier was compelled 
every now and then to run a few steps to maintain 
his place beside him. He kept up his pace for a 
half-hour or so, when he suddenly halted. 

“ Fast walk — make breathe fast/’ said he, his 
black eye sparkling. 

“ It is rather rapid walking, Oonomoo, but I can 
stand it. Don’t stop on my account.” 

“ Plenty time — git dar mornin’ — soon enough.” 

“ How far are we from the Shawnee village ? ” 

“ Two — eight — dozen miles — go in canoe part 
way.” 

“ When will we rescue her from the dogs — the 
Shawnees ? ” asked the young Lieutenant, scarcely 
able to restrain his curiosity. 

“ Dunno — may be can’t get her ’t all.” 

“ Won’t get her ? ” he repeated, his heart throb- 
bing painfully. “ My God, Oonomoo, why do you 
say that?” 

“ ’Cause true — hain’t got her yit — may be 
wont — Shawnee watch close — t’ink Oonomoo 
’bout.” 


I44 OONOMOO , THE HURON. 

“ But you expect to rescue her, do you not ? ” 

“ Yeh, ’spect to — do all can — ain’t sartin — mustn’t 
t’ink I am — be ready for her dead.” 

“ I will try to be prepared for the worst, Oono- 
moo, but I place great hopes on you.” 

“ Place hopes on Him — He do it, may be.” 

Never, to his dying day, did Lieutenant Canfield 
forget the rebuke of that Huron Indian. As he 
uttered these words he pointed upward — a flood of 
moonlight, streaming down through the trees upon 
his upturned face, rested like a halo of glory upon 
his bronzed brow. Years afterward, when Oono- 
moo had been gathered to his fathers, and Lieuten- 
ant Canfield was an old man, he asserted that he 
could hear those words as distinctly, and see that 
reverential expression as plainly as upon that mem- 
orable night. 

“ You are right, Oonomoo,” said the Lieutenant, » 
“ and I feel the reproof you have given me. The 
merciful God is the only one upon whom we can 
rely, and under Him it is upon your sagacity and 
skill that I depend.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


145 


“ Dat so — we go purty soon.” 

After resting a half-hour, the two moved forward 
at a much slower rate than before. As the moon 
ascended, its light was so clear and unobstructed that 
in the open spots in the woods he could easily have 
read a printed page. For a night of reconnoitering 
and action it possessed all the advantages and dis- 
advantages of a clear day. The Huron almost in- 
variably held his peace when walking, and the young 
soldier did not attempt to disturb him upon the 
present occasion. From his remarks, he gathered 
that it was his wish to reach the neighborhood of 
the Shawnee village in a few hours, and wait until 
daylight before attempting to accomplish anything. 
To carry out his intentions, it was necessary, in the 
first place, to see Hans Vanderbum, and secure his 
cooperation. Fully aware of his astonishing sleep- 
ing qualities, the Huron knew he might as well try 
to wake a dead man as to secure an interview with 
him during the night. 

An hour later the bank of the Miami was reached. 
As they stood on the shore and looked down-stream, 


I 4 6 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

its clear surface, glistening brightly in the moon- 
light, could be seen as plainly as at noonday, until 
it disappeared from sight in a sweeping bend. From 
their stand-point it resembled a lake more than a 
river, the woods, apparently, shutting down in such 
a manner as to hide it entirely. Not a ripple was 
heard along the shore, and only once a zephyr hur- 
rier over its bosom, crinkling the surface as it passed, 
and rustling the tops of a few trees along the bank 
as it went on and was lost in the wood beyond. The 
great wilderness, on every hand, stretched miles and 
miles away, until it was lost afar, like a sea of 
gloom, in the sky. Once a night-bird rushed whir- 
ring past, so startlingly close, that the Lieutenant 
felt a cold chill run over him as its wings fanned 
his face. It shot off like a bullet directly across the 
river, and could be distinguished for several minutes, 
its body resembling a black ball, until it faded out 
from view. Nothing else disturbed the solemn still- 
ness that held reign. Everything wore the spirit of 
quietness and repose. 

The soldier was the first to speak. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

“Isn’t this an impressive sight, Oonomoo?” 


147 


“Yeh — make think of Great Spirit.” 

“ That is true. You seem to be more than usually 
solemn in your reflections, my good friend, and I 
am glad to see it. This calm moonlight night, the 
clear sky and the deep, silent wood, is enough to 
make any person thoughtful; but it must have re- 
quired something more than ordinary to impress you 
thus.” 

“ Saw Fluellina to-day, Oonomoo’s wife.” 

Lieutenant Canfield was considerably puzzled to 
understand how this could account for the peculiar 
frame of the Huron’s mind, but he had too much 
consideration to question him further. It was not 
until he spoke again, that he gained a clear idea of 
his meaning. 

“ Fluellina Christian — got Bible — tell ’bout God — 
Great Spirit up dere — read out of it — tell Oonomoo 
’bout t’ings in it — Oonomoo nebber take anodder 
scalp.” 

“ A wise determination ; such a brave man as you 
needs no proof of your bravery, and that good Being 


I 4 8 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

which your Fluellina has told you about will smile 
upon your noble conduct.” 

“ Know dat — feel it,” added the Huron, eagerly. 
He stood a moment longer, and then added, " Time 
dat we go.” 

“ You spoke of going part way in a canoe, but I 
do not see any for us.” 

“ Down yonder, by dat rock.” 

The Indian pointed down the river as he spoke, 
and, following the direction of his finger, Lieuten- 
ant Canfield distinguished a large rock projecting 
some distance from the shore, but could distinguish 
nothing of the canoe of which he spoke. Knowing, 
however, that it must be concealed somewhere in the 
vicinity, he remarked, as they withdrew again into 
the wood : 

“ How is it, Oonomoo, that you have your canoe 
in every part of the country? You must be the 
owner of quite a fleet.” 

“ Got two — free — twenty — more'n dat — all ober 
— in Big Miami — Little Miami — all 'long Ohio — 
Soty '(Sciota) — Hocking — Mussygum (Muskin- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


149 

gum — 'way out ’long de Wabash — hid all ober — 
got ’em eberywhere.” 

“And I suppose you find occasion to use them 
all?” 

“ Use ’em all. Out on Wabash last winter — snow 
deep — two days in de snow — paddlin’ on de ribber 
— hab ’em hid ’long de shore — sometime lose ’em.” 

“ How did you get them in these different places? 
Carry them there yourself ? ” 

“ Made ’em — knowed want use ’em — made ’em 
and hid ’em.” 

The young soldier was about to speak, when the 
Huron motioned for him to maintain his peace. The 
conversation had been carried on in so low tones 
that a third party, a rod distant, could not have over- 
heard their words. Before the Indian spoke, he 
had glanced around to satisfy himself that it was 
impossible for a human being to be concealed within 
that area. 

Now, however, he was about to change his posi- 
tion, and the strictest silence was necessary. 

The two passed down through the woods, and 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


150 

were just emerging again upon the bank, when the 
Huron, who was in front, suddenly started back, 
so quickly and lightly that the Lieutenant did not 
understand his movement till he saw their relative 
change of position. 

“ What is the matter? ” he asked, in a whisper. 

“’Sh! Shawnees dere.” 

“ Where ? on the rock ? ” 

The Huron pointed across the river. 

“ Dere ! on dat shore — may be come over.” 

The soldier was much puzzled to know how his 
companion had made such a sudden discovery, when 
they were so far away. As there could be no dan- 
ger of their words being overheard, he made the 
inquiry. 

“ See’d water splash,” replied Oonomoo. “ Got 
canoe.” 

“ Not yours ? ” 

“ No — deir own — come ober here, putty soon.” 
p His words were true. He had hardly spoken, 
when a noise, as of the dipping of a paddle, was 
heard, and the next moment a canoe shot out from 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


151 

the bank and headed directly toward them. This 
being the case, it was impossible to determine the 
number of savages in it, although there must have 
been several. 

“ Would it not be best to move to prevent 
discovery?” asked the Lieutenant, as he watched 
the approaching Shawnees with considerable anx- 
iety. 

“ Won’t land here — go ’low us.” 

A moment later the head of the canoe turned 
down-stream. It was then seen to be of consider- 
able size. Five savages were seated within it. 
Oonomoo bent his head, took one earnest glance at 
them, and then said: 

u Ain’t Shawnees — Miamis.” 

** Friends or foes'? ” 

“ Jes’ as bad — take scalp — kill white people — take 
your scalp — see you.” 

Lieutenant Canfield by no means felt at ease at 
the indifference with which his friend uttered these 
words. It certainly was no pleasant prospect — that 
of having these bloodthirsty Miamis for such near 


152 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

neighbors, and he expressed as much to Oonomoo. 

“ Won’t come here — keep quiet — won’t git hurt,” 
replied the imperturbable Huron. 

Considerably relieved at this assurance, he said no 
more, but watched the canoe. To his astonishment 
and dismay it again changed its course, and headed 
directly toward the rock in front of them. He 
looked at his companion, but his face was as im- 
movable as a statue’s and, determined not to show 
any childish fear, he maintained his place and said 
no more. 

Reaching the outer end of the rock, the Miamis 
halted for a moment or two, when they turned down 
the river again, and landed about a hundred yards 
below where our two friends were standing. The 
latter waited for full half an hour, when, seeing and 
hearing nothing more of them, the Huron resolved 
to obtain his canoe, and continue their journey 
down the river. 

“ But where is it ? ” asked the soldier, when he 
announced his intention. 


“ Fastened out end of rock.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


153 

“ May be the Miamis discovered it and have de- 
stroyed it.” 

“ Dunno — meb’ so — didn’t take him 'way, dough.” 

“ Is the water very deep ? ” 

“ Two — t’ree — twenty feet — swim dere.” 

As it seemed impossible to run even the most 
ordinary risk, the Lieutenant felt no apprehension at 
all when he saw him walk down to the water with- 
out his rifle, and wade out and commence swimming. 
The moon, as we have said, was unusually bright, 
and not only the dark, ball-like head of the Huron 
could be seen, floating on the surface, but, when his 
face was turned in the right direction, his black 
eyes and aquiline nose and high cheek-bones were 
plainly distinguishable, while his long, black hair, 
simply closed in one clasp (years before it was al- 
ways gathered in the defiant scalp-lock), floated like 
a vail behind him. The soldier watched him until 
he disappeared around the corner of the rock, and 
then patiently awaited his return. 

The Huron was a most consummate swimmer, 
and moved, while in the water, as silently as a fish. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


154 

More from habit than anything else, as he found 
himself in the eddy made by the twisting of the 
river around the upper edge of the stone, he “ backed 
water,” and, for a moment, remained perfectly mo- 
tionless. The moon was in such a quarter of the 
sky that a long line of shadow was thrown out from 
the rock, far enough to envelop both Oonomoo and 
his canoe, lying several yards below him. As he 
caught sight of the latter, he saw a Miami Indian 
seated in it, apparently waiting and watching for 
some one. As quick as lightning the meaning of 
the singular action of the other canoe flashed upon 
his mind. By some means which he could only con- 
jecture, the Miamls had gained a knowledge of his 
movements. Perhaps the discovery of his boat was 
what first awakened their suspicions. At any rate, 
they had learned enough to satisfy themselves that a 
rich prize was within their grasp. Leaving one of 
their number in the strange canoe, they had passed 
on down-stream, concealing the absence of their 
comrade with such skill, that the watchful eye of 
the Huron failed to detect it Beyond a doubt they 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


155 

were lingering in the vicinity, ready to come to his 
assistance at the first signal. 

The instructions of the warrior who remained be- 
hind were to shoot the savage at the moment of his 
appearance, and, in case he had a companion, to put 
out in the stream at once and call to his friends, 
who would immediately come to him. A brief glance 
at the situation of the Miami will show that his 
task was one of no ordinary peril, especially if the 
returning Indian should have any apprehension of 
danger. If he chose, the latter could swim out to 
the rock, and walk over its surface to its outer edge, 
when he would be directly above the Miami, and 
could brain him with his tomahawk in an instant. 
As the physical exertion thus incurred would be 
greater than the simple act of swimming out to the 
canoe, it was not likely such a thing would take 
place, unless, as we have said, the suspicions of the 
approaching savage be aroused. The probability 
was that the latter would take precisely the same 
course that we have seen the Huron take, that is, if 
he believed the coast clear; but as there was no 


I5 6 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

certainty of this, the Miami was compelled to keep 
watch both up-stream and down-stream, and it was 
thus it happened that his back was turned to Oono- 
moo at the very moment he came around the edge of 
the rock. 

The different methods by which the Miami could 
be disposed of occurred to the Huron with electric 
quickness. To the first — that of passing over the 
rock and tomahawking him, there was one objection 
so important as to make it a fatal one. In the 
bright moonlight, he would offer too fine a target 
to the other Miamis concealed along the bank. 
Without the responsibility of his white friend’s 
safety, Oonomoo felt it would be hardly short of 
suicide, for it would be affording his deadliest en- 
emies the opportunity of capturing or killing him as 
they preferred. He had but the choice of two plans : 
that of pressing forward and engaging the Miami, 
or of instantly returning to the shore, and proceed- 
ing to the Shawnee village by land. He chose the 
former. 

Everything depended now upon the quickness of 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


157 

the Huron’s movements. The Miami being com- 
pelled to watch both directions, it was certain he 
would turn his head in a moment, when, if Oono- 
moo was still in the water, his fate would be pretty 
certain. Accordingly he shot rapidly forward, and 
was so close when he halted, that, do his utmost, he 
could not prevent his head from striking the prow 
of the canoe. Slight as was the shock, it did not 
escape the notice of the Miami, who instantly turned 
his head, and approaching the prow, leaned over and 
looked in the water. 

The Huron had been expecting this movement, 
and to guard against its consequences, sunk quietly 
beneath the surface, and allowed the current to 
carry him just the length of the canoe, when he 
again rose, with his head beneath its stern. Resting 
here a moment, with his nose and eyes just in sight, 
he commenced drifting down-stream, inch by inch, 
until he caught a glimpse of the Miami’s head over 
the edge of the canoe when he returned to his for- 
mer position under the stern and gathered his ener- 
gies for the struggle. 


i5 8 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

Sustaining himself by his feet alone, he reached 
his hands upward, grasped the canoe in such a man- 
ner that it was firmly held on each side. Holding 
it thus only long enough to make his hold sure, he 
pressed the stern quickly downward, and then by a 
sudden wrench threw the Miami upon his back in 
the water. Letting go his hold, the Huron made a 
dash at him, and closing in the deadly embrace, the 
two went down — down — down — till their feet struck 
the soft bottom, when they shot up again like two 
corks. 

Imminent as was the peril of Oonomoo, his great- 
est fear was that their struggles would carry them 
below the rock, where the moonlight would dis- 
cover them to the Miamis on the bank. With a 
skill as wonderful as it was rare even among his own 
people, he regulated his movements while submerged, 
in such a manner that they operated to carry both 
combatants up- stream, had there been no current, 
so that when they came to the surface, it was very 
nearly in the same spot that they had gone down. 

But Oonomoo and the Miami had whipped out 



But Oonomoo and the Miami had whipped out their knives. 



OONOMOO, THE HURON. 161 

their knives, and they raised them aloft at the same 
instant. But neither descended. They were still 
in the air, when the one spoke the simple word. 
“ Heigon ! ” and the other simultaneously with him 
uttered the name of “ Oonomoo,” and the hands of 
both dropped beside them. Without speaking, the 
Miami grasped the edge of the rock and clambered 
to the surface, and beckoned for the Huron to fol- 
low; but the latter held back, and whispered, in the 
tongue of his companion : 

“ Miamis on shore wait to make Oonomoo a 
prisoner.” 

“ Oonomoo is the friend of Heigon, and the 
Miamis will not injure him.” 

The Huron hesitated no longer, but the next mo- 
ment stood beside the Miami on the broad mass of 
stone. Heigon gave a short peculiar whoop, which 
was instantly followed by the appearance of the other 
canoe with its four inmates, who impelled it for- 
ward with great rapidity, and in almost a twinkling 
were also upon the rock. Each held a glittering 
knife in hand, and they gazed upon their victim 


162 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

with exulting eyes, who stood firm, unmoved, and 
returned their glances with as proud and defiant an 
air as a king would have looked upon the vassals 
beneath him. They were about to proceed to vio- 
lence, when Heigon simply said : “ He is my 
friend.” Instantly every knife was sheathed, and 
the gloating expression of the Miamis changed to 
one of interest and pleasure. They gathered more 
closely around the Huron, and looked to their com- 
panion for some further explanation. 

“ When the snow was upon the ground,” said he, 
“ Heigon was hunting, and he became weak and 
feeble, like an old man, or the child that cannot 
walk.* The snow came down till it covered the 
rocks like this, and Heigon grew weaker and feebler 
until he could walk no further, and lay down in the 
snow to die. When he was covered over, and the 
Great Spirit was about to take him to himself, an- 
other Indian came that way. He was Heigon’s 
enemy, but he lifted him to his feet and brushed 
the snow from his face and limbs and poured his 
* Meaning he became sick from some cause or other. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. ^3 

fire-water down his throat. He dug the snow away 
until he came to the dry leaves, and then he kindled 
a fire to warm Heigon by. He stayed by him all 
night, and in the morning Heigon was strong and 
a man again. When he went away, he asked the In- 
dian his name. It was Oonomoo, the Huron. He 
stands by us, and is now in our power. ,, 

The eyes of the Miamis fairly sparkled as they 
listened to this narration of their comrade, and they 
looked upon the far-famed Huron with feelings only 
of friendship and admiration. He had been con- 
sidered for years as one of the deadliest enemies of 
the Miamis, and his capture or death by them would 
have been an exploit that would have descended 
through tradition to the last remnant of their people. 
Fully sensible of this, this same Huron had come 
upon one of their most distinguished warriors when 
he was as helpless as an infant, and could have been 
scalped by a mere child. But the magnanimous 
savage had acted the part of a good Samaritan, feed- 
ing and warming him and sending him on his way 
in the morning, refreshed and strengthened. Such 


^4 OONOMOO , THE HURON . 

a deed as this could never be forgotten, either by 
the recipient or those of his tribe to whom it became 
known. 

During the narrative the Huron stood with arms 
folded, and as insensible to the praises of Heigon 
as if he had not uttered a syllable since the advent 
of his companions. He who appeared to be the 
leading warrior now asked : 

“ Whither does my brother Huron wish to go ? ” 

“ To the Shawnee village on the shore of the 
Miami.” 

“ We journey thither, and will take our brother 
with us.” 

“ Oonomoo goes as the enemy of the Shawnees. 
He goes to save a pale-faced maiden who has fallen 
into their hands. My Miami brothers go as the 
friends of the Shawnees.” 

“ They go as the friends of Oonomoo, who saved 
one of their warriors, and they will carry him in 
their canoe.” 

“ The feet of Oonomoo are like the deer’s, and 
his eyes are as the eagle’s. He can see his path at 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 16$ 

night in the wood, and can journey from the rising 
until the setting sun without becoming weary.” 

“ We know our brother is brave and fleet of foot. 
His Miami friends will carry him far upon his 
journey, and when he wishes to go through the 
woods, they will leave him upon the shore.” 

Oonomoo could not decline this kind offer. Sim- 
ply to show in a small degree their friendship for 
him, the Miamis insisted upon carrying him in their 
canoe as far as he wished, landing him upon the 
bank whenever it was his desire that they should 
do so. The Miamis being allies of the Shawnees, 
and on their way to join one of their war-parties, 
they could not (even on account of their peculiar re- 
lations with the Huron) act as their enemies in any 
way; consequently the Huron did not expect or 
ask their assistance. But while they were prevented 
from aiding him in the least, in his attempt to rescue 
the captive, the claims which he had upon their 
gratitude were such, that he well knew they would 
carefully avoid throwing any obstacle in his way, 
and would act as neutrals throughout the affair, be- 


l66 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

lieving, however, that it was not inconsistent with 
such a profession to carry him even in sight of the 
Shawnee village itself. Beyond that it would be as 
if these five Miamis were a thousand miles distant. 

All this time, it may well be supposed, that Lieu- 
tenant Canfield was no uninterested spectator of the 
interview between his Huron friend and the Miamis. 
When they made their appearance upon the rock, he 
believed that Oonomoo had been captured. He was 
about to seek his own safety in flight, but he was 
struck by the apparently good feeling of the con- 
ference. Their words being in the Miami tongue, 
he could not distinguish their meaning, but from 
their sound, judged them to be friendly in their 
nature. Still, there could be no certainty, and he 
was in a torment of doubt, when he was startled by 
hearing the Huron call his name. At first he de- 
termined not to answer, thinking his friend had been 
compelled to betray him by his captors. A moment’s 
' reflection, however, convinced him that such could 
not be the case. 

“ CanfielM CanfielM” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. ity 

" What do you want, Oonomoo ? ” 

“ Go down bank — wait for us — Miami won’t 
hurt.” 

The young soldier did as he requested, and the 
next moment saw the two canoes put out from the 
rock. In the first were the four Miamis, and in 
the second Oonomoo and Heigon, the latter using 
the paddle. They touched a point on the shore about 
a hundred yards down-stream, almost at the same 
moment that it was reached by the Lieutenant. 

“ How-de-do, brudder ? ” asked the foremost, ex- 
tending his hand. The soldier exchanged similar 
greetings with the others, when at a signal the five 
seated themselves upon the ground, and he followed 
suit. A pipe, the “ calumet of peace,” was pro- 
duced and passed from mouth to mouth, each one 
smoking slowly and solemnly a few whiffs. 

This tedious ceremony occupied fully a half-hour, 
during which it was nearly impossible for the young 
Lieutenant to conceal his impatience. It seemed 
to him nothing but a sheer waste of time, and he 
wondered how Oonomoo could take it so compos- 


l68 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

edly. At length the last smoker had taken what 
he evidently believed the proper number of whiffs, 
and they arose and embarked again in their canoes. 

In the boat, which really belonged to the Huron, 
were seated himself, Lieutenant Canfield, and 
Heigon, who insisted upon using the paddle himself. 
For a moment they glided along under the shadow 
of the wooded bank, and then, coming out on the 
clear, moonlit surface of the river, they shot down- 
stream like swallows upon the wing. 

It was not quite ten miles to the Shawnee town, 
and, as it was now in the neighborhood of mid- 
night, their destination would be easily reached in 
time. 

All went well for some four or five miles, when 
an exclamation from the canoe in advance attracted 
the attention of Oonomoo and the soldier. 

“ What is it ? ” inquired the latter. 

“ Ugh ! nudder canoe cornin’ — Shawnees.” 

Such proved to be the case. A large war-canoe, 
containing over a score of painted warriors, was 
coming up the river, nearly in the center of the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. jfy 

stream, while the Miamis were nearer the right bank. 
When nearly opposite each other, the war-canoe 
paused while that which contained the four Miamis 
went over to it, somewhat after the manner that 
two friendly ships come to anchor in the midst of 
the ocean, and exchange congratulations and news. 

During the interview, Heigon prudently kept at a 
safe distance, but from the gesticulations and words 
of the Shawnees it was evident they were making in- 
quiries in regard to the inmates of his boat. The 
replies proved satisfactory, for a moment later, the 
canoes separated, and each party proceeded on his 
way. Little did the Shawnees dream that the very 
foe for whom they were searching — he whose scalp 
was worth that of a hundred warriors, whose death 
they would have nearly given their own life to se- 
cure — little did they dream, we say, that this very 
man was within a few rods of them — so close that 
he recognized the features of every one of their 
number ! 

Several miles further, and Oonomoo spoke to 
Heigon. They were now in the vicinity of the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


170 

Shawnee village, and he wished to land. Heigon 
instantly turned the prow of his canoe toward shore, 
and the others, understanding the cause, followed. 
A moment later, Lieutenant Canfield and the Huron 
stood upon terra firma. They were compelled again 
to shake hands all around with their curiously-made 
friends, when they separated — the latter to go down 
the river as brothers to the warlike Shawnees, and 
the former to go to the same destination as their 
deadly enemies! 


QONOMOO, THE HURON, 


171 


CHAPTER VII. 

■THE PLAN FOR THE RESCUE, 


Oft did he stoop a listening ear, 

Sweep round an anxious eye, 

No bark or ax-blow could he hear, 

No human trace descry. 

His sinuous path, by blazes, wound 
Among trunks grouped in myriads round ; 

Through naked boughs, between 
Whose tangled architecture fraught 
With many a shape grotesquely wrought, 

The hemlock’s spire was seen. — N. B. Street. 


By this time, daylight was at hand. A thin mist, 
rising from the river, was passing off through the 
woods; for the half-hour preceding the appearance 
of the sun, the darkness was more palpable than it 
had been at any time through the night. The air, 
too, had a disagreeable chilliness in it, which, how- 
ever little it affected the Huron, made the soldier. 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


IJ2 

for the time being, exceedingly uncomfortable and 
impatient for the full light of day. 

The Shawnee village was about a mile distant, on 
the same bank of the stream with that upon which 
our friends found themselves. As there was not the 
least probability of Hans Vanderbum being astir for 
several hours yet, they proceeded at a moderate 
walk through the wood. One of the peculiar effects 
of this chilly morning air was to keep Lieutenant 
Canfield constantly gaping; his movements were so 
languid and his mind listless even to antipathy for 
conversation. He maintained his place in silence be- 
side Oonomoo. The Indian was as watchful and 
keen as ever. 

As the young Lieutenant was yawning, and gaz- 
ing around listlessly, he caught a glimpse of some 
body, as it threw itself prostrate behind a clump of 
bushes. He looked at the Huron and was startled 
to observe upon his countenance no indication of 
having noticed this singular occurrence. 

“ Oonomoo,” he whispered, placing his hand 
upon his arm, “ there’s a person behind the bush, and 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 173 

we are in danger. I saw him this very min- 
ute” 

“ Me see*d ’em,” said the Indian, walking straight 
toward the spot where he was concealed. 

This was too much for the young man. When 
he reflected that, in all probability a rifle-barrel was 
leveled through those bushes, ready to do its deadly 
work, he was not ashamed to halt and allow the 
Huron to proceed alone. But, no fear seemed to 
enter the head of the Indian. He strode straight 
forward, as if he had discovered something which 
he was about to pick, and, reaching the bushes, 
he parted and stepped among them. The aston- 
ished soldier saw him stoop and lift some dark ob- 
ject, and then throw it down upon the ground again. 

Lieutenant Canfield now came forward. Great 
was his amazement to recognize, in this dark ob- 
ject, the negro, Cato! He lay upon his face, as lax 
and motionless as a piece of inanimate matter. 

“ What is the matter with him ? ” asked the sol- 
dier. “ Is he dead ? ” 

“ Scart near to def — make b’lieve dead.” 


174 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

Such undoubtedly was the case. The negro, 
frightened at the appearance of two strangers, the 
foremost of whom he recognized as an Indian, had 
prostrated himself behind the bushes and feigned 
death in the hope that they would pass him by un- 
noticed. The Lieutenant, now that they were so 
close to the Shawnees, where so much caution and 
skill were required, felt provoked to see the negro, 
and had little patience with his fooleries. 

“ Get up, Cato,” said he, rolling him over with his 
foot. “ You are not hurt, and we don’t want to see 
any of your nonsense.” 

One of the negro’s eyes partially opened, and then 
he commenced yawning, stretching and shoving his 
feet over the leaves, as though he was just awaking. 

“ Hebens, golly ! but dis nigger is sleepy,” said he. 
“ Hello ! dat you, Oonomoo ? And bress my soul, 
if dar ain’t Massa Canfield,” he added, rising to his 
feet. 

“ How came you here ? ” asked Canfield. 

“ Come here my pussonal self — walked and 
runn’d most ob de way.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


175 

“But, we sent you to the settlement. Why did 
you not go ? ” 

“ Bress your soul, Massa Canfield, I’ll bet dar’s 
ten fousand million Injines in de wood, atween us 
and de settlement. I tried to butt my way frough 
dem, but dar was a few too many, and I had to 
gub it up.” 

“ How came you to wander so far out of your 
way as to get here ? ” 

“Dunno; bought I’d take a near cut home, and 
s’pose I got here widout knowing anyt’ing 
about it.” 

“ Well, Oonomoo, what’s to be done with him ? ” 

“ Take him ’long — kill him if don’t do what 
want to.” 

“You understand, Cato? We don’t want you 
with us, but, there seems no help for it now; so 
we shall have to take you. You must follow in 
our steps, and in no case make any outcry.” 

The negro promised obedience, and, taking his 
position behind, they continued their journey, the 
Huron leading the way. He proceeded some dis- 


! 7 6 OONOMOO, THE HURON . 

tance until he reached a dense portion of the wood, 
when he halted and turned around. 

“ Plenty time — sleep some. ,, 

These were pleasant words to the Lieutenant, who, 
in spite of his impatience, felt the need of sleep and 
rest before proceeding further. All stretched them- 
selves upon the ground, where, in a few minutes, 
they were wrapped in slumber. The negro, Cato, 
lay some distance from the other two, and was the 
first to awake. Carefully raising his head and dis- 
covering that the dreaded Huron was still uncon- 
scious, he silently arose to his feet, and, retreating 
some distance with great oare and caution, he sud- 
denly turned and ran at the top of his speed. His 
motive for so doing will soon appear. 


While our two friends are thus preparing them- 
selves for the perilous duty before them, we will re- 
turn to our old acquaintance, Hans Vanderbum, 
and his fair charge, in whom the reader, doubtless, 
feels a lively interest. 

It will be remembered that Miss Prescott was 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


1 77 

consigned to the care of the amiable Keewaygoosh- 
turkumkankangewock, wife of Hans Vanderbum. 
The reasons for this were several. In the first place, 
the Shawnees were actuated in a small degree by 
their desire to lessen the sufferings of their captive. 
This squaw had learned enough of the English 
language from her husband to hold almost an intel- 
ligible conversation in it ; and, as quite an acquaint- 
ance had already been established between him and 
the maiden, she would certainly feel more at home 
in their company than among the others, who could 
not speak a word of her tongue. What might be 
done with Miss Prescott in case she remained among 
the Shawnees for several years, of course it would 
be impossible to say; but it was certain they medi- 
tated no violence for the present, only wishing to 
hold her simply as a prisoner. Was there danger of 
her escape they would not have hesitated to kill her, 
it being considered one of the greatest reproaches 
that can be cast in a Shawnee face to accuse him 
of having lost a prisoner. 

Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock was too thor- 


1 78 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

oughly loyal for her to be suspected of any dis- 
position to aid the prisoner in escape ; and whatever 
might be the wishes of Hans Vanderbum, he was too 
stupid and lazy to be taken into account. 

Miss Prescott, accordingly, was installed in their 
lodge, where the first day was passed without any- 
thing of note occurring, save the discovery, on her 
part, of the total hopelessness of escape, without the 
assistance of friends. There was but one entrance 
to the lodge, of barely sufficient width to afford the 
passage of Hans Vanderbum’s body, and the sides 
of the wigwam were too strong and firm for her to 
think either of piercing or breaking them. Added 
to this, Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock at night 
laid herself directly before this entrance, compelling 
Hans Vanderbum to lie down beside her, so that 
their united width was some four or five feet — rather 
too long a step to be taken by the girl without dan- 
ger of awaking her jailers. When we add that Kee- 
waygooshturkumkankangewock’s slumbers were so 
light that the least noise awakened her, and that 
Miss Prescott never lay down to sleep without hav- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 179 

in g her ankles bound together, no more need be said 
to convince the reader that the ingenuity of her cap- 
tors could not have made her situation more secure. 
Nevertheless, Hans Vanderbum managed to convey 
enough to her to keep hope alive in her breast, and 
to convince her that it would not be long before 
some enterprise for her freedom would be attempted 
by her friends. 

On the second morning of her captivity, Hans 
Vanderbum awoke at an unusually early hour, and 
the first thought that entered his mind was that he 
had an appointment with Oonomoo, the Huron ; for 
it is a fact, to which all will bear witness, that, by 
fixing our thoughts upon any particular time in 
the night, with a determined intensity, we are sure 
to awaken at that moment. Thus it was that he 
arose before his spouse; but his step awakened 
her. 

“ What’s the matter, Hans ? Are you sick ? ” she 
asked, with considerable solicitude. 

“ No, my dear, good Keewaygooshturkumkank- 
angewock, I feels so goot as ever, but I t’inks te 


l8o OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

mornin’ air does me goot, so I goes out to got a 
little.” 

No objection being interposed, he sauntered care- 
lessly forth, taking a direction that would lead him 
to the spot where he had held the interview with 
the Huron upon the previous day. He walked 
slowly, for it lacked considerable of the hour which 
had been fixed upon for the meeting, and, knowing 
the mathematical exactitude with which his friend 
kept his appointments, he had no desire to reach the 
spot in advance. 

“ I doeshn’t wish to hurry, so I t’inks I will rest 
myself here, and den when ” 

Hans was prevented any further utterance, by 
some heavy body striking his shoulders with such 
force that he was thrown forward upon his face, and 
his hat smashed over his eyes. 

“ Mine Gott ! vot made tat tree fall on me ? ” he 
exclaimed, endeavoring to crawl from beneath what 
he supposed to be the trunk of an immense oak 
which he had noticed towering above him. This 
belief was further strengthened by a glimpse 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. j 8 i 

which he caught of a heavy branch upon the 
ground. 

“ Hebens, golly ! dat you, ole swill-barrel ? ” 
greeted his ears; and he picked his hat and him- 
self up at the same time, to see the negro, Cato, 
lying on the ground, with his heels high up in the 
air. 

“ Dunder and blixen ! who are you ? ” inquired 
Hans, more astonished than ever. “ Did you drop 
down out te clouds ? ” 

“Yah! yah! yah! what makes you t’ink so, old 
hogsit, eh? No, sir-ee! Fs Mr. Cato, a nigger 
gentleman of Mr. Capting Prescott.” 

The large eyes of the Dutchman grew larger as 
he proceeded. “ Vot makes you falls on mine head, 
eh?” 

“ Fs up in de tree a-takin' ob obserwashuns, when 
jis’ as you got down hyar, de limb broke, and down 
I comes. Much obleege fur yer bein’ so kind fur to 
stand under and breaks my fall.” 

“ And breaks mine own neck, too, eh ? ” 

“ Who might be you wid your big bread-basket ? ” 


!g2 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

inquired Cato, still lying upon his back and kicking 
up his heels. 

“ Me? Fs Hans Vanderbum, dat pelongs to Kee- 
waygooshturkumkankangewock.” 

Cato grew sober in an instant. He had heard 
Lieutenant Canfield mention this man’s name in con- 
versation with the Huron, and suspected at once that 
he was to perform a part in the day’s work. 

“ You’re Hans Vanderbum, eh ? I’ve heerd Massa 
Canfield and Mister Oonymoo speak of you.” 

“Yaw, I’m him. Where am dey?” 

“ Ain’t fur off. I lef’ ’em sleepin’, and come out 
for to see whedder dar war any Injines crawlin’ 
round in de woods, and I didn’t see none but you, 
and you ain’t an Injine.” 

The appointed hour for the meeting between Hans 
Vanderbum and Oonomoo having arrived, the 
Dutchman added: 

“ He ish to meet me ’bout dis time or leetles 
sooner, and, so we both goes togedder mit each 
oder, so dat we won’t bees alone.” 

“All right; go ahead, Mr. Hansderbumvan ; I’m 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 

behind you,” said Cato, taking his favorite position 
in the rear. 

Several hundred yards further and Hans recog- 
nized the wished-for spot. He had hardly reached 
it, when a light step was heard, and the next mo- 
ment Lieutenant Canfield and the Huron stood in 
his presence. 

“ Brudder comes in good time,” said the latter, ex- 
tending his hand. 

“ Yaw ; Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock show- 
ed me de way to do dat,” replied Hans, shaking 
hands with the young Lieutenant also. The latter 
expressed some surprise at seeing Cato present, say- 
ing that he had congratulated himself upon being 
well rid of him. The negro explained his departure 
upon the grounds of his extreme solicitude for the 
safety of his friends. The conversation between 
Hans and the Huron was now carried on in the 
Shawnee tongue. 

“ How does matters progress with my brother ? ” 

“ Very good ; the gal is in my wigwam.” 

“ What does she there ? ” 


i 8 4 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

“ Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock has charge 
of her.” 

“ That is good. ,, 

“ I don’t know about that, Oonomoo ; I think it 
couldn’t be much worse; for Keewaygooshturkum- 
kankangewock has got a bad temper, if she is the 
same shape all the way down.” 

" It is good, my brother. We will have the cap- 
tive when the sun comes up again in the sky.” 

“ How are you going to get her ? ” 

“ Give Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock this 
drug,” said the Huron, handing him a dark, waxy 
substance. 

“ Dunder ! ish it pizen ? ” asked Hans, in English. 
“ Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock will kill me 
deat if I pizen her.” 

“ It will not kill her ; it will only put her in a 
sleep from which she will awake after a few hours.” 

“ Quanonshet and Madokawandock will have to 
take it too, for they don’t sleep any more than she 
does.” 

“ There is enough for all. To-day mix this with 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

that which the squaw and Quanonshet and Madoka- 
wandock shall eat, and when it grows dark they will 
sleep and not awaken till the morrow’s sun.” 

“ And what of the gal ? 99 

“ When the moon rises above that tree-top yonder, 
cut the bonds that bind her, and lead her through 
the woods to this place. Here Oonomoo will take 
her and conduct her to her friends in the settle- 
ment.” 

From this point the Indian dialect was dropped 
for intelligible English. 

“ And vot will become of me? ” asked Hans Van- 
derbum, in considerable alarm. “ When Keeway- 
gooshturkumkankangewock wakes up and finds te 
gal gone, she will t’inks I done it, and den — den — 
den — ” The awful expression of his countenance 
spoke more eloquently than any words, of the con- 
sequences of such a discovery and suspicion upon 
the part of his spouse. 

“ Take some self when git back — go to sleep — 
squaw wake up first.” 

Hans’ eyes sparkled as he took in the beauty of 


1 85 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

the scheme prepared by the Huron. The arrange- 
ment was now explained to Lieutenant Canfield, who 
could but admire the sagacity and foresight of his 
Indian friend, that seemed to understand and pro- 
vide against every emergency. It was further ex- 
plained to Hans that he was to manage to give the 
drug to his wife and children several hours before 
sunset, as its effects would not be perceptible for 
fully four hours, and that he was to take a small 
quantity himself about dusk, to avert the conse- 
quences of his philanthrophy. Lieutenant Canfield 
admonished him to be cautious in his movements, 
and to take especial pains with his charge after leav- 
ing his lodge, in order to avoid discovery from the 
sleepless Shawnees. The situation of Hans’ wig- 
wam was fortunate indeed, as he ran little risk of 
discovery if he used ordinary discretion after leav- 
ing it. 

Everything being arranged, Hans Vanderbum 
took his departure, and Oonomoo, the soldier and 
negro commenced the long, weary hours of waiting. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


I8 7 


CHAPTER VIII. 

SHE EXPLOIT OF HANS VANDERBUM. 

God forgive me, 

(Marry and amen !) how sound is she asleep ! 

Romeo and Juliet. 

Hans Vanderbum loitered on his way back to 
the village, to avoid giving the impression to any 
who might chance to see him that there was anything 
unusual upon his mind. The precious substance 
handed to him by the Huron — a sort of gum — he 
wrapped in a leaf and stowed away in his bosom, 
guarding it with the most jealous care. Upon it 
depended his hopes for the success of his cherished 
scheme. 

After several hours’ intense thought, he decided 
upon his programme of action. He would go fish- 
ing about the middle of the forenoon, giving his 


!88 OONOMOO , THE HURON. 

wife to understand that he would be back with what 
he had caught in time for dinner, so that she would 
rely upon him for that meal; but, instead of doing 
so, he would keep out of sight until toward night, 
by which time he rightly concluded his spouse and 
children would be so ravenously hungry that they 
would devour the fish without noticing any peculiar 
taste about them. 

It was also necessary to place Miss Prescott on 
her guard against eating them, as it would seriously 
inconvenience him if she should fall into a deadly 
stupor at the very time when she would most need 
her senses. All this was not definitively provided 
for until a long time after his return to his wig- 
wam. 

The more fully to carry out his plans, Hans 
feigned sickness shortly after his return, so that 
Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, who really had 
a sort of aflection for him, allowed him to remain 
inside, while she busied herself with the corn-plant- 
ing. This was the very opportunity for which Hans 
longed, and he lost no time in improving it. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. j$g 

“ I’ve see’d Oonomoo,” said he, by way of intro- 
duction. 

“ Have you, indeed ? ” and the countenance of 

Miss Prescott became radiant with hope. 

“ Yaw; see’d somebody else, too.” 

The deep crimson that suffused the beautiful cap- 
tive’s face, even to the very temples, showed the 
stolid Dutchman that it was not necessary for him 
to mention the other person’s name. 

“ Yaw ; see’d him, too.” 

“ And what did he say ? ” 

Didn’t say much, only grin and laughed. De 
dunderin’ nigger liked to kill me.” 

Miss Prescott was dumbfounded to hear her lover 
spoken of in this manner. 

“ Why, what do you mean, my friend ? Why do 
you speak of him in that manner ? ” 

“ He jumped down out of a tree on top of mine 
head, and nearly mashed it down lower dan my 
shoulders. Den he rolled round, kicked up his heels 
and laughed at me.” 

“ Of whom are you speaking? Lieutenant Can — ” 


190 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ A big nigger dat called himself Cato.” 

“ Oh, I thought — ” and the embarrassed girl cov- 
ered her face to hide her confusion and disappoint- 
ment. 

“ See’d him too,” said Hans, pleasantly. 

“ Who?” 

“ Lieutenant Canfield,” he whispered. 

“ Where is he ? what did he say ? when shall I see 
him ? Oh ! do not keep me in suspense.” 

“ De Huron In jin, him and anoder nigger am out 
in de woods waitin’ for de night to come, when I’m 
goin’ for to take you out to dem.” 

“ But Keeway — your wife? ” 

“ Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock ? Yaw, she 
mine frow; been married six — seven years. Nice 
name dat. Know what Keewaygooshturkumkankan- 
gewock means ? ” 

“ No, I have never heard,” replied Miss Prescott, 
thinking it best to humor the whims of her friend. 

“ It means de ‘ Lily dat am de Same Shape all de 
Way Down/ which am her. What you ax ? ” 

“ But will your Lily allow me to depart ? ” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


191 

“ Dat am what Fm going for to tell you. Fm go- 
ing fishing purty soon, and won’t be back till de 
arternoon. When I come back we’ll have fish for 
supper. De Huron In jin give me something for to 
put in de fish, dat will put mine frow and de little 
ones to sleep, so dat dey won’t wake up when we go 
out de wigwam.’* 

“ And I suppose you do not wish me to eat of 
them?” 

“ No, for you’d get to sleep too, den I shall have 
to carry you.” 

" There is no danger of my having much appetite 
after what you have told me.” 

“ Den you won’t forget. Remembers dat — I t’inks 
I feels better.” 

Hans Vanderbum caught a glimpse of his amiable 
wife in the door of his lodge at this moment, which 
was the cause of the sudden change in his conver- 
sation. Suiting his action to his words, he arose 
and said: 

“ I t’inks I feels better, Keewaygooshturkumkan- 
kangewock, and guesses I go fishing.” 


192 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


“ I guess you might as well. ,, 

“ Mine dear frow, shust gits te line and bait, 
while I lights mine pipe.” 

His wife complied, and a few minutes later Hans 
Vanderbum sallied forth fully equipped for duty. 
He did not forget to tell his partner several times 
not to prepare dinner until his return, and she also 
promised this, from some cause or other, she being 
in a far better humor than usual. 

The demon of mischief seemed to possess Quanon- 
shet and Madokawandock that day. In making his 
way to the “ fishing-grounds,” he was tripped so 
often that he began to wonder what could possibly 
be the reason for it. He stooped down to examine 
his path. 

“Dat ish funny de way dat grass grows. Dat 
bunch on dat side has growed over and met dat 
bunch on de oder side, and den dey’ve growed to- 
gedder in one big knot, and den I catches mine foot 
under and tumbles down. Dat ish funny for te 
grass to grow dat way.” 

The innocent man did not once suspect that his 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


193 

boys had anything to do with this peculiar growth 
of the grass, although, had he looked behind him, he 
would have seen their dirty, grinning faces as they 
rolled upon the grass in ecstasies at his perplexity. 

After several more tumbles, Hans Vanderbum 
reached his favorite log, and crawled out like a huge 
turtle to the further extremity. The exciting ad- 
venture which was before him occupied his thoughts 
so constantly that the mischievous propensities of 
his children never once entered his head, until the 
log suddenly snapped off at its trunk, and left him 
struggling in the water. Reaching the land with 
considerable difficulty after this second mishap, he 
concluded that Quanonshet and Madokawandock 
were still living, and had lately visited that neigh- 
borhood. 

By noon, he had collected a goodly quantity of 
fish, and fearful that if he delayed his return much 
longer, his wife would come in search of him, he 
proceeded some distance down the bank, and con- 
cealed himself beneath a large clump of bushes, con- 
tinuing his piscatorial labors as heretofore. His 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


194 

precaution proved timely and prudent, for he had 
hardly ensconsed himself in his new position, when 
he caught a glimpse of Keewaygooshturkumkankan- 
gewock through the branches, and shrunk further 
out of sight. From his secure hiding-place, the 
valorous husband watched her proceedings. He 
saw her brow “ throned with thunder,” as she strode 
hastily forward, the blank, dismayed expression, as 
she witnessed the destruction of his favorite perch, 
the anxious haste with which she examined the shore 
to discover whether he had emerged or not, the 
relief that lit up her countenance as she learned the 
truth, and, at length, the first expression, so bod- 
ing and potent in its meaning, that he lay down on 
the ground and dare not look at her again. When 
he cautiously raised his head, she had disappeared, 
and with a sigh of relief, he resumed his line. 

The slow, weary hours wore on, and finally the 
sun was half-way down the horizon. Hans Van- 
derbum’s heart gave a big throb as he started on his 
return to the village. In spite of the exciting drama 
that was now commencing, and in which he was to 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


195 

play such a prominent part, the most vivid picture 
that presented itself to him was his irate wife, wait- 
ing at the wigwam to pounce upon him, and he 
could not force the dire consequences of his temer- 
ity from his mind. 

Slowly and tremblingly he approached the lodge, 
but saw none of its inmates. The profound silence 
filled him with an ominous misgiving. He paused 
and listened. Not a breath was audible. He stepped 
softly forward and cautiously peered in. He saw 
Miss Prescott apparently asleep in one corner, and 
his wife trimming the fire. Hans hesitated a mo- 
ment, and no pen can describe or artist depict the 
shivering horror with which he stepped within the 
lodge. His heart beat like a trip-hammer, and when 
his wife lifted her dark eyes upon him, he nearly 
fainted from excess of terror. Great was his amaze- 
ment, therefore, when, instead of rebukes and blows, 
she came smilingly forward and asked : 

“ Has my husband been sick ? ” 

That question explained everything. Believing 
him to be sick, her feelings were not of wrath, but of 


! 9 6 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

solicitude. Hans wiped the perspiration from his 
forehead and, hardly conscious of what he was 
doing, replied: 

“ B’lieves I didn’t feel very much well — kinder 
empty in de stomach as dough I’d like to have 
dinner.” 

“ You shall have it at once.” 

Now, to insure the success of Hans Vanderbum’s 
plans, it was necessary that he should cook the fish, 
in order that he might find opportunity to mix the 
gum with it; but the wife, out of pure kindness 
refused to allow this. He was taken all aback at this 
unfortunate slip in his programme. By resorting 
again to intense thought, he hit upon an ingenious 
plan to outwit her, even at this disadvantage. The 
children needed no commands to remain out doors. 

The food was nicely cooking, when Hans started 
up as if alarmed. 

“ What’s the matter ? ” inquired his wife. 

“ I t’inks I hears some noise outside. Hadn’t you 
better goes out, my dear, good, kind Keewaygoosh- 
turkumkankangewock, and see vot it is ? ” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


197 

The obliging woman instantly darted forward, and 
Hans proceeded to his task with such trembling 
eagerness that there was danger of its failure. First 
flattening the gum between his thumb and finger, he 
dropped it upon one of the fish, where it instantly 
dissolved like butter. He was busy stirring this, 
when his partner entered. 

“ Good man,” said she ; kind to Keewaygoosh- 
turkumkankangewock.” 

Hans Vanderbum felt as if he were the greatest 
monster upon earth thus to deceive his trusting wife, 
and there was a perceptible tremor in his voice, as 
he replied : 

“ I will tends to de fish.” 

He saw that the gum had united thoroughly with 
the food, and then with a flushed face, he resigned 
his place to his wife. The dinner, or more properly 
the supper, was soon completed, when Hans con- 
cluded that he was too unwell to eat anything. The 
squaw was somewhat surprised when Miss Prescott, 
after being awakened from a feigned sleep, turned 
her head away from the tempting food in disgust. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


198 

“You sick too?” she asked. 

“ No — no — no,” shutting her eyes and turning her 
back upon her. 

“ I wouldn’t coax her to eat, my good, dear frow,” 
said Hans. “ Let de little Dutchmen eat it ; dey’re 
hungry enough.” 

In answer to a shrill call, Quanonshet and Mado- 
kawandock came tumbling in, and fell upon the food 
like a couple of wolves. After two or three mouth- 
fuls they stopped and smacked their lips as if there 
was something peculiar in the taste of their fish, and 
Hans’ heart thumped as he saw the mother do the 
same. To forestall any inquiries, he remarked that 
he had caught the fish in another portion of the 
stream, and perhaps they might taste bitter, but he 
guessed “ dey was all right.” This satisfied them, 
and in a few minutes more there was nothing left 
but a few bones. Thus far all went well. 

As the sun descended in the western sky, and the 
magnificent American twilight gathered upon the 
forest and river, the excited Hans Vanderbum 
could scarcely conceal his impatience and anxiety. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


199 

Never before, since his marriage, had he been in 
such a predicament, and never again, he hoped, 
would he feel the misery that was now torturing 
him. Time always passes wearily to the watcher. 
It seemed an age to him ere the sun slipped down 
behind the wilderness out of sight. At length, how- 
ever, the dusk of early evening enveloped the lodge, 
and shortly after Quanonshet and Madokawandock 
came in, and dropping down fell almost immediately 
asleep. 

To expedite matters, Kans Vanderbum feigned 
slumber, but he kept one eye upon the movements of 
his wife. He marked her listless, absent air, and he 
could scarcely conceal his joy when she stretched 
herself in front of the door, without speaking or or- 
dering him to lie beside her, as was her usual cus- 
tom. Five minutes later, she was as unconscious as 
though she were never to wake again. To make 
“ assurance doubly sure,” he waited full half an 
hour without moving. Then he raised his head, and 
called in a whisper to Miss Prescott: 

“ I say dere.” 


200 00N0M00, THE HURON. 

“ Well ! what is it ? ” she responded, rising. 

“ You ishn’t ashleep bees you? ” 

“ No, I am ready/’ 

“ Well, I guesses it bees purty near times.” 

“ Are they all sound asleep — your Lily and chil- 
dren?” 

“ Yaw, dey’s won’t wake if you pound ’em.” 

“ Would it not be best to take a look outside and 
see whether there is any danger of our being dis- 
covered ? ” 

“ Yaw— I finks so.” 

In passing out, Hans trod upon the outstretched 
arm of his wife, but her sleep was so sound that she 
did not awaken. The situation of the lodge was 
such that all the Shawnees visible were upon one 
side of it, so that the chances of discovery were com- 
paratively slight, if the least precaution was used. 
Appearing at the entrance of the wigwam, without 
entering, he motioned for the captive to come out. 
She arose, stepping cautiously and carefully, and 
when she found herself in the open air once more, 
with the cool night-wind blowing upon her fevered 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 2 OI 

cheek, she almost fainted from excessive emo- 
tion. 

“ Come, now, walks right behind me, and if you 
sees — dunder and blixen! dere comes an Injin!” 

The girl had caught a glimpse of two shadowy 
figures, and without thought, she did the wisest pos- 
sible thing for her to do under the circumstances. 
Springing back within the lodge, she reseated her- 
self beyond the form of her prostrate sentinel, and 
waited for them to pass. 

“How do you do, brother ?” asked one of them, 
in the Shawnee tongue, as they halted. “ How gets 
along our prisoner ? ” 

“ Pretty good ; she is in de lodge.” 

“ She is safe in the hands of Keewaygooshturk- 
umkankangewock, but I will look in.” The savage 
stepped to the entrance and merely glanced inside. 
The darkness was so great that he saw nothing but 
the figure of the squaw before him, and he and his 
companion passed on. The captive waited until she 
was sure they were beyond sight and hearing, and 
then she stepped forth again. 


202 00N0M00, THE HURON. 

“ Let us hurry,” said she, eagerly. “ There may 
be others near.” 

“ Yaw, but don’t push me over on mine nose.” 

“ Oh ! if she awakes, or we are seen ! ” 

“ She won’t do dat. She shleeps till morning, and 
bimeby I shleeps too, and won’t wake up afore she 
does.” 

“ Be careful, be careful, my good friend, and do 
not linger so,” said the girl, nearly beside herself 
with excitement, “ and let us stop talking.” 

“ Yaw, I bees careful ! I ain’t talking. It bees 
you all de time dat is making de noise. I knows 
better dan for to make noise, when dey might hear. 
Doesn’t you t’ink I does ? ” 

“ Yes, yes, yes.” 

“ I’m glad dat you t’inks so. I knowed a gal once ; 
she was a good ’eal like you ; Annie Stanton was her 
name; she had a feller dat was a good ’eal like de 
Lieutenant, and dey didn’t t’ink I knowed much, but 
dey found dey was mistaken. Don’t you b’lieve dey 
did?” 

“ Yes, yes — but you are talking all the while.” 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


203 


“ Dat ish so — I doesn’t talk no more.” 

Finally, the impression reached the brain of Hans 
Vanderbum that he was making rather more noise 
than was prudent, and he resolutely sealed his lips — 
so resolutely that, being compelled to breathe 
through his nostrils, Miss Prescott feared that the 
noise thus made was more dangerous than had been 
his indulgence in conversation. She endeavored to 
warn him, but he firmly refused to hear, waddling 
ahead, his huge form stumbling and lumbering for- 
ward like a young elephant just learning to walk. 
The moon being directly before them, his massive 
shoulders were clearly outlined against the sky, when 
the woods were open enough to permit an unob- 
structed entrance to its light. A dozen yards from 
the wigwam, and the two were clear of the Shawnee 
village, their only danger being from any wandering 
Indian whom they might chance to meet. They had 
gone perhaps a quarter of a mile, when the captive’s 
heart nearly stopped beating as she saw the hand of 
a savage outlined against the sky. As she observed 
that he was steadily approaching, she halted and 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


20 4 

was debating whether or not to dart off in the woods, 
and depend upon herself for safety, when Hans 
spoke : 

“ Dat you, Oonomoo? ” 

“Yeh — ’tis me.” The quick eye of the Huron 
had caught a glimpse of the girl behind the Dutch- 
man, and he now came up and addressed her : 

“ Is my friend ’fraid?” 

“ No, no ; thank Heaven ! is that you, my good, 
kind Oonomoo ? ” asked the girl, reeling forward, 
until sustained by the gentle grasp of the Indian. 

“ Yeh — me take care of you. Here somebody else 
— t’ink he know how better — guess like him, too.” 
She caught a glimpse of another form as the savage 
spoke in his jesting manner. She needed nothing 
more to assure her of its identity. Lieutenant Can- 
field came forward, and placing one arm around 
her waist, and drawing her fervently to him, he 
said : 

“ Oh ! my dear Mary, I am so glad to see you 
again. Are you unharmed ? ” 

“ Not a hair of my head has been injured. And 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


205 

how is my dear father and mother and sister 
Helen ? ” 

“Your father was perfectly well and in good 
spirits when I left him a few days since, and as he 
knows nothing of this calamity, there is no reason 
for believing it is any different with him. Your 
mother and sister I think know nothing of this, 
although I fear their apprehensions must be excited.” 

“ I trust I shall soon be with them, and oh ! I 
pray ” 

“ Fs gettin’ shleepy,” suddenly exclaimed Hans 
Vanderbum. 

“Take gum?” 

“Yaw; took much as Keewaygooshturkumkan- 
kangewock.” 

“ Git sleep soon — go back — don't wake up.” 

“ Yaw, I will.” And before any one could speak, 
Hans was lumbering through the bushes and woods 
on his way back to his lodge, fearful that if he de- 
layed he would fall asleep. It was the wish of Lieu- 
tenant Canfield to thank him for his kindness to his 
betrothed, and the latter, very grateful for his 


206 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

honest friendship, intended to assure him of it, but 
his hasty exit prevented. 

The gum of which Hans Vanderbum had par- 
taken, began soon to have a perceptible effect. He 
stumbled forward against the bushes and trees, 
blinking and careless of what he did, until he reached 
the door of his wigwam. Here he summoned all his 
energies, and, stepping carefully over his wife, lay 
down beside her, and almost immediately was asleep. 

As might be expected, the wife was the first to 
awaken. So profound had been her sleep that the 
forenoon of the next day was fully half gone before 
she opened her eyes, and then it required a few 
minutes to regain entire possession of her faculties. 
Looking around, she saw the inanimate forms of her 
children, and close beside her the unconscious Hans 
Vanderbum, and, horror of horrors, the captive was 
gone! She was now thoroughly awakened. With [ 
a shrill scream she sprung to her feet. Giving her 1 
husband several violent kicks, and shouting his 
name, she ran outside to arouse the Shawnees, and 
set them upon the track, if it was not already too 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


207 

late. Hans opened one eye, and, seeing how matters 
stood, he shut it again, to ruminate upon the story 
he should tell to the pressing inquiries of his friends, 
and, in a few minutes, he had prepared everything 
to his satisfaction. Five minutes later he heard a 
dull thumping upon the ground, and the next minute 
the lodge was filled with Shawnees. Sharp yells — 
the signals of alarm — could be heard in every 
quarter, even as far distant as the river. All seemed 
centering toward one spot. In answer to repeated 
shoutings, and kicks, and twitches of the hair, Hans 
opened his big, blue eyes, and stared around him 
with an innocent, wondering look. 

“ Where’s the girl ? Where’s the pale-faced cap- 
tive ? ’* demanded several, including his wife. 

“ Ober dere; (pointing to her usual resting-place; 
and then, discovering her absence) no, dunder and 
blixen, she isn’t.” 

“ You helped her away in the night. We saw you 
when the moon was up standing in the lodge.” His 
accuser was the Indian who had peered into the 
lodge the night before. 


208 OONOMOO, THE HURON . 

“ Mine Gott ! dat Huron, Oonomoo, has got her ! ” 
The name of the famous scout was familiar to all, 
and called forth a general howl of fury. Under- 
standing that it was expected he should give some 
explanation, he said: “ I see’d de Injin last night, 
and he gived me something dat he said I musht eat 
and mix wid my fish. I done so, and it made me, 
and Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, and Quan- 
onshet and Madokawandock go to shleep, and shust 
now we wakes up and de gal ain’t here ! ” 

This brief, concise statement was generally be- 
lieved, all knowing the trustful, verdant nature of 
the Dutchman, and there was a general clearing of 
the wigwam, for the purpose of ascertaining which 
direction the Huron had taken; but they met with 
no success, as the woods were so thoroughly trodden 
by numerous feet, that it was impossible to distin- 
guish any particular trail. One or two Shawnees, 
however, were not satisfied with what Hans had 
said, and, after making several more inquiries, they 
remarked : 

“Oonomoo, the Huron, is a brave Indian, but 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


209 

could not enter the Shawnee lodges unless the door 
was opened from within. Our white brother ” 

Hans' wife sprung up like a catamount, whose 
young were attacked. “ You say my brave Hans let 
her go, eh? My brave warriors, I will show you," 
she exclaimed, springing at them in such a perfect 
fury that they tore out of the wigwam and were 
seen no more. 

“ My dear Hans." 

My dear , good Keewaygooshturkumkankange- 
wock ! de same shape all de way down. 

And the loving wife and husband embraced with 
all the fervor of youthful lovers. And locked thus 
together, trusting, contented and happy, we take 
our final leave of them. 


210 


00N0M00, THE HURON. 


CHAPTER IX. 

A NEW DANGER. 

’Tis too late 

To crush the hordes who have the power and will 
To rob thee of thy hunting-grounds and fountains, 

And drive thee backward to the Rocky Mountains. 

Edward Sanford. 

W 1 

The moon was now well up in the sky, although 
it was still comparatively early in the night. It was 
hardly possible that the escape of Miss Prescott 
could be discovered before morning, yet the Huron 
was too prudent not to guard against the most re- 
mote probability, by taking up their march at once 
in a direct line for the settlement. The eight or ten 
hours of unmolested travel that were before them, 
were amply sufficient to place all beyond danger, at 
least from the Shawnees who had just been left be- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 2 II 

hind. Taking the lead, as usual, he proceeded at a 
moderate walk, timing his progress to the endurance 
of the maiden with him, still keeping the impatient 
Cato behind. 

“ I say, Oonomoo,” called out Lieutenant Canfield, 
in a suppressed voice, “ suppose Miss Prescott and 
myself should indulge in conversation, would you 
have any objection? ” 

“ No — don’t care — talk sweet — talk love — so no 
one hear but gal — gal talk low, sweet, so no one but 
him hear,” returned the Indian, pleasantly. 

Falling a rod or so in the rear, the Lieutenant 
took the willing hand of his betrothed, and said : 

“ Tell me, dear Mary, of your captivity — of all 
that happened to you since they took you from your 
home.” 

The girl proceeded to relate what is already known 
to the reader, adding that but for the friendship of 
Hans Vanderbum and Oonomoo, she never would 
have hoped to escape from her captivity. 

“ The Dutchman is a stupid, honest-hearted fel- 
low, whose heart is in the right place, and the 


212 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


Huron has endeared himself to hundreds of hearts 
by his self-sacrificing devotion in their hour of 
affliction. ,, 

“ What possible motive could influence him to 
risk his life in my rescue ? ” 

“ His own nature. He has been with those holy 
men, the Moravians, and he is, what is so rarely 
seen, a Christian Indian. But, he has been thus 
friendly to the whites for many years. The Shaw- 
nees inflicted some great injury upon him. What 
it was I do not know. I have heard that his father 
was a chief, and, while Oonomoo was still a boy, 
he was broken of his chiefdom, and both he and his 
wife inhumanly massacred. This is the secret of his 
deadly hostility to that tribe, and, I am told, that 
among the scores and scores of scalps which grace 
his lodge, there is not one which has not been torn 
from the head of a Shawnee. But for a year or two, 
he has refrained from scalping his foes, and he has 
killed none except in honorable warfare.” 

“Has he a wife and family ?” 

“ He has a wife and son, and his lodge is deep in 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


213 

the forest, no one knows where. Its location is so 
skillfully chosen that it has baffled all search for 
years. His wife, I have been told, has been a sincere 
Christian from childhood, and her piety and faith- 
fulness have had a good influence on him.” 

“ He is a noble man, and my dear father will re- 
ward him for this.” 

“ No, he will not. Oonomoo has never accepted 
a reward for his services and never will. Presents 
and mementoes have been showered upon him, but 
his proud soul scorns anything like payment for his 
services. Do you suppose that I could ever remu- 
nerate him for the happiness he has brought me?” 
asked the Lieutenant, pressing the hand of his be- 
loved. 

“ I am sure my joy is very great, too. Oh ! how 
my dear mother and sister must have agonized over 
this calamity.” 

“ They probably have known nothing of it.” 

“ But you say you saw the light of the fire, and 
you were fully as far off as they.” 

“ It is true, but I had not the remotest suspicion 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


214 

of its being your home. It seems unlikely that your 
mother should have suspected the truth, as she had 
every reason to believe the Indians were friendly 
to your family.” 

“ They must have seen the illumination in the sky, 
and, knowing the location of our home so well, they 
could but have their worst apprehensions aroused.” 

“ If such indeed be the case, let us congratu- 
late ourselves that we are so soon to undeceive 
them.” 

“ I am glad that father cannot possibly hear of 
this until he is assured of our safety.” 

“ I am not so sure of that. When I left, the 
chances were that he might follow me almost imme- 
diately on a visit to the block-house at the settle- 
ment, and from what I heard I am pretty certain 
that if he has not already been, he soon will be 
appointed to the command of the garrison at that 
place. It is not at all impossible that he may be in 
charge of it this very minute.” 

“We will reach there to-morrow, when, as you 
said, their anxiety will be relieved, although it will 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


215 

be no trifling loss to father when he finds his 
house and all his possessions destroyed by the sav- 
ages.” 

“ But, as nothing when weighed in the balance 
with his loved child.” 

“ And then the poor servants ! Oh ! what an aw- 
ful sight to see them tomahawked when praying for 
mercy.” 

“ And, I am told, by their only survivor, Cato 
there, that none implored so earnestly for them as 
did you yourself, never once asking for your own 
life, which was in such peril.” 

“ I thought that I might accomplish something for 
them, but it was useless. Cato only escaped, and it 
was Providence, alone, that saved him.” 

“ What ye ’scussin’ ob my name for ? ” called out 
the negro, who had caught a word or two of the last 
remark. 

“ Stop noise,” commanded Oonomoo, peremp- 
torily. 

“ Hebens, golly ! ain’t dem two talkin’, and can’t 
I frow in an obserwashun once in a while, eh ? ” 


216 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“Dey love — talk sweet — you nigger and don’t 

lover 

“Oh, dat’s de difference, am it? Well, den, I 
forefwif proceeds all for to cease making remarks. 
But before ceasing altogever, I will obsarve that you 
are a pretty smart feller, Oonymoo, and I hain’t 
see’d de Shawnee Injine yet dat knows as much as 
your big toe. Hencefofe I doesn’t say noffin more ; ” 
and the negro held strict silence for a considerable 
time. 

Lieutenant Canfield and Miss Prescott conversed 
an hour or so longer, in tones so low that they 
were but a mere murmur to the Huron, and then as 
the forest grew more tangled and gloomy, their 
words became fewer in number, until the conver- 
sation gradually ceased altogether. 

The party were walking thus silently, when they 
reached a portion of the wood where, for a short 
distance, it was perfectly open, as if it had been 
totally swept over by a tornado. In this they were 
about entering, when, brought in relief against the 
moon-lit sky beyond, the form of an Indian was 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


217 

seen standing as motionless as a statue. At first 
sight, the form appeared gigantic in its proportions, 
but a second glance showed that instead of being a 
man it was a mere boy. He stood in the attitude 
of listening, as if he had just caught the sound of 
the approaching company. 

The Huron, disdaining to draw his rifle upon such 
a foe, halted and looked steadily at him, while those 
in the rear, who had all discovered the savage, did 
the same, the negro's teeth chattering like a dice-box, 
as he fully believed him to be the advance-guard of 
an overwhelming force. The boy standing thus a 
moment, sprung with the quickness of lightning 
to the cover of the trees. As he did so, there was 
something about the movement which awakened the 
suspicion of Oonomoo, and without stirring, he gave 
utterance to a low, trilling whistle. Instantly there 
came a similar response, and the boy appeared again 
to view, bounding forward quickly toward Oono- 
moo. 

“ Niniotan.” 


“ Oonomoo.” 


218 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


“ What brings you thus far in the woods ? ” 

“The Shawnees have discovered the home of 
Oonomoo!” 

“ And where is Fluellina ? ” demanded the Huron, 
starting as if stricken by a thunderbolt. 

“ She is hid in the woods, waiting for Oonomoo. ,, 

“Did she send Niniotan for him?” 

“ She sent him this morning, and he searched the 
woods until now, when he found him in this open- 
ing.” 

“ When did Fluellina and my son leave their home 
on the island in the water ? ” 

“ Last night, shortly after the moon had come 
above the tree-tops, they left in the canoe, and they 
went far before the morning light had appeared, 
when they dared not return.” 

“ And when saw you the Shawnees ? ” 

“ Yesterday, after you had gone, a canoe-full of 
their warriors passed by the island in their canoe. 
We saw them through the trees, and hid in the 
bushes until they had passed, and they searched until 
night for us.” 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


219 


“ Where is Fluellina hid?” 

“ Close by the side of the stream which floats by 
the island, but many miles from it.” 

“ How long will it take Niniotan to guide Oono- 
moo there ? ” 

“ Four or five hours. The wood is open and clear 
from briers.” 

“ And are the Shawnees upon Fluellina’s trail ? ” 

“ If the eye of the Shawnee can follow the trail 
of the canoe, he has tracked us to the hiding- 
place.” 

This conversation being carried on in the Huron 
tongue, of course the others failed to catch its mean- 
ing; but Lieutenant Canfield suspected, from the 
singularly hurried and excited manner of Oonomoo, 
that something unusual had occurred with him. 
Never before had he seen him give way to his feel- 
ings, or speak in such loud, almost fierce tones. The 
soldier remained at a respectful distance, until the 
Huron turned his head and told him to approach. 

“ Dis my son Niniotan,” said he. “ He go wid 
us.” 


220 


00N0M00, THE HURON. 


“ I am glad of his company I am sure. Did you 
expect to meet him in this place ? ” 

“ No — Fluellina, his mother, send him in big 
hurry to Oonomoo — been huntin’ all day — jes’ found 
us.” 

“No trouble, I trust?” 

“ Tell in de mornin’ — mus’ walk fas’ now — don’t 
talk much — git to settlement quick as can. Take 
gal’s hand — lead her fast.” 

The soldier knew there must be cause for this 
haste of his friend, and acting upon the hint which 
he had given him to ask no further questions, he took 
the hand of Miss Prescott, and the party moved for- 
ward at a rapid walk. Little did he suspect the true 
cause of the Huron’s silence. Knowing the solici- 
tations that would be made by the soldier and the 
girl for him to leave them at once and attend to the 
safety of his wife, the noble Indian refrained from 
imparting the truth. It was his intention to conduct 
his friends as far as possible during the night, that 
they might be beyond all danger, when, accompanied 
by his son, he would make all haste to his Fluellina, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 221 

and carry her to some place beyond the reach of his 
inhuman foes. 

For fully eight hours, the little party hurried 
through the woods. Miss Prescott bore the fatigue 
much better than she expected. Being strong, 
healthy, and accustomed to long rambles and sports 
in the open air, and having been so long inactive in 
the Shawnee village, the rapid walk for a long time 
was pleasant and exhilarating to her. It sent the 
blood bounding through her glowing frame, and 
there being withal the spice of an unseen and un- 
known danger to spur her on, she was fully able to 
go twice the distance, when the Huron gave the 
order to halt. 

It was broad daylight and the sun was just rising. 
They were several miles beyond the ruins of Cap- 
tain Prescott’s mansion, so that the settlement could 
be easily reached in a few hours more. Oonomoo 
brought down a turkey with his rifle, dressed it, 
and had a fire burning with which to cook it. This 
was accomplished in a short time under his skillful 
manipulations, and a hearty meal aflforded to every 


222 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

one of the little company. Lieutenant Canfield no- 
ticed that neither the Huron nor his son ate more 
than a mouthful or two, and he was now satisfied 
that the news brought by the latter was bad and 
disheartening. He refrained, however, from refer- 
ring to the subject again, well knowing that the In- 
dian would tell him all that he thought proper, when 
the time arrived. 

They had just completed their meal, when Nin- 
iotan and Oonomoo started, raising their heads, as if 
something had caught their ears. Listening a mo- 
ment, the latter said: 

“ Somebody cornin’.” 

“Hebens, golly! am it Injines?” asked Cato, 
looking around for some good place to hide. The 
eyes of the soldier and Miss Prescott asked the same 
question, and the Huron replied: 

“ Ain’t Injins — walk too heavy — white men.” 

“ They must be friends then,” exclaimed the girl, 
springing up and clapping her hands. 

“Dey’re cornin’ — hear ’em.” 

The dull tramp, tramp of men walking in regular 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


223 

file was distinctly audible to all, and while they lis- 
tened, a clear, musical voice called out : 

“ This way, boys, we’ve a long tramp before we 
reach that infernal Indian town.” 

“ Your father, as I live ! ” whispered the soldier to 
the girl beside him. The next moment, the blue uni- 
form of an officer of the Federal army was distin- 
guished through the trees, and the manly form of 
Captain Prescott, at the head of a file of a dozen men, 
came into full view. 

“ Hello ! what have we here ? ” he asked, suddenly 
stopping and looking at the company before him. 
“ Why there’s Lieutenant Canfield as sure as I am 
alive, and if that ain’t my dear little daughter yon- 
der, I hope I may never lift my sword for Mad An- 
thony again. And there’s Oonomoo, the best red- 
man that ever pulled the trigger of a rifle, with a 
little pocket edition of himself, and grinning Cato 
too! Why don’t you come to the arms of your 
father, sis, and let him hug you ? ” 

This unexpected meeting with his loved daughter, 
when his worst fears were aroused for her safety, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


224 

caused the revulsion of feeling in Captain Prescott, 
and his pleasantry is perhaps excusable when all the 
circumstances are considered. The tears of joy 
coursed down the gray-headed soldier's cheeks as he 
pressed his cherished daughter to his bosom, and 
murmured, “ God bless you ! God bless you ! ” while 
the hardy soldiers ranged behind him smiled, and 
several rubbed their eyes as if dust had gotten in 
them. 

“ Is mother and sister well ? ” asked the daughter, 
looking up in her father’s face. 

“ Yes, well, but anxious enough about you.” 

“ Our house and place is destroyed forever.” 

“ Who cares, sis ? Who cares ? Haven’t I you 
left? Don’t mention it.” 

“ But the servants ! All were killed except poor 
Cato there.” 

“ Ah ! that is bad ! that is bad ! I mourn them, 
poor fellows! poor fellows! But I have my own 
darling child left ! my own darling child ! ” and the 
overjoyed father again pressed his daughter to him. 

“ But what am I about ? ” he suddenly asked, with 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


225 

a surprised look. I haven’t spoken to the others 
here. Lieutenant, allow me to congratulate you, sir, 
on this happy state of affairs. I congratulate you, 
sir.” 

Captain Prescott had a way of repeating his re- 
marks, while his radiant face was all aglow with 
his hearty good-humor, that was irresistibly conta- 
gious in itself. His jovial kindness won every 
heart, and he was almost idolized by his men. 

“ A happy turn, indeed ; but, Captain, I am some- 
what surprised to see you here,” said Lieutenant 
Canfield as he grasped the offered hand. 

“ Ah ! yes, I haven’t explained that yet ; but the 
fact is, Lieutenant, you hadn’t been gone two hours 
— not two hours — when the General told me I was 
to take charge of the garrison at the settlement, 
where my wife and daughter now are. I wasn’t 
sorry to hear that — not sorry to hear that, and as 
you were to be Lieutenant, I didn’t think it would 
be unpleasant to you either to be located so near 
our family — not unpleasant at all, eh, Lieutenant ? ” 

“ Nothing, certainly, could be more agreeable to 


226 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

me,” replied the gallant young fellow, blushing 
deeply at the looks which were turned upon 
him. 

“Glad to hear it! glad to hear it! Well, sir, I 
started right off — right straight off, and tried my 
best to overtake you, but, bless me, I might as well 
have tried to run away from my own shadow, as to 
catch up with a young chap when he is in love. I 
got to the settlement yesterday, toward night, and 
the first thing I heard was that my house had been 
burned, and my sweet little darling Mary there, 
either killed or carried off a prisoner. I felt bad 
about that,” added the Captain, wiping his eyes with 
his handkerchief, but smiling all the while, “ yes, I 
won’t deny I felt a little bad about that. They had 
all seen the light from the settlement, and knowing 
the direction of my house, were pretty sure it was 
that. But, to be certain, one of the men came out 
here yesterday, and found there was no mistake 
about it. But the queerest part of the matter was, 
that all the people, the garrison especially, appeared 
to feel bad about it too — actually felt bad about it. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


227 

And when I asked for volunteers, they all sprung 
forward and insisted that they would go — insisted 
that they would go. I picked out those twelve there 
— because they had all been in Indian fights and 
understood the country through which we would be 
compelled to go. They are all good fellows, and 
perfect phenomena, if you may believe all they say 
— perfect phenomena. You see that chap there, 
with the big mouth and crossed eyes. Well, sir, he 
informs me that he has dined off a live Indian every 
morning for the last seventeen years, and is certain 
that he should pine away and die, if he should be 
deprived of his usual meal. You see he is pretty 
nearly an Indian himself. His hair is black as a 
savage's, and if he goes a few months longer with- 
out washing, he will have the war-paint all over his 
face. That one standing beside him, with a nose like 
a hickory knot and with feet like flat-boats, calls 
himself ‘half horse, half alligator, tipped with a 
wild-cat and touched with a painter.' The rest are 
about the same, so that I have a good mind to march 
right into the Indian country on a campaign against 


228 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

the whole set that have been in this business — the 
whole set that have been in this business.” 

The pleasant humor with which this sarcasm was 
uttered, made every man laugh and respect their 
commander the more. They saw that while he 
rather disliked the extravagant boasting in which 
several of them had indulged, he still had great 
confidence in their skill and courage, as was shown 
by his selection of them for this perilous enterprise. 

“ They are the right stuff,” added the Captain. 
They ain’t used to the drill, but they will soon under- 
stand that. I had some trouble to keep them in line 
in the woods, as they couldn’t exactly see the use, 
but they were doing first rate, when we came upon 
you — doing first rate. But, I declare, I haven’t 
spoken to Oonomoo, there. I dare say he is at the 
bottom of this rescue. He generally is — generally 
is.” 

Stepping forward in front of the Huron, who with 
his son had stood silent and gloomy, he said, as he 
grasped his hand : 

“Oonomoo, receive the thanks of a delighted 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


229 

father for your kindness to his daughter. Your re- 
peated services have won you the gratitude of hun- 
dreds ” 

“ Cap’n,” said the Huron, speaking quickly and 
earnestly, “ the Shawnees have found de lodge ob 
Oonomoo — his wife runnin’ t’rough de woods — de 
Shawnees chasin' her — Oonomoo must go.” 

“ God bless me ! God bless me ! ” exclaimed Cap- 
tain Prescott ; “ and here the noble-hearted fellow 
has been waiting a half-hour without saying a 
word, while my infernal tongue has been going all 
the time" that tongue will be the death of me yet. 

Your wife is in danger, eh? The Shawnees 

at their deviltry again here. See here, men,” said 
he, turning around, “ Oonomoo’s wife is in danger, 
and are we going to help her out or not, eh? I 
want to know that. Are we going to stand by and 
let him do it alone, when for twenty years he has 
worked night and day for us ? ” 

“NO! ” responded every voice, in thunder tones. 

“ I say, Captain,, if I ain’t counted in this muss. 
I’ll never smile agin. Freeze me to death on a 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


230 

stump, if I won’t walk into their meat-houses in 
style, then my name ain’t Tom Lannoch.” 

“ Jes’ place me whar tha’ll be some heads to crack, 
with gougin’ and punchin’ thrown in, and then 
count me in.” 

“ And hyer’s Dick Smaddock, what ” 

“ Order ! ” roared the Captain ; “ I’ll arrange mat- 
ters without any gabbing from you. We are los- 
ing time. As we are pretty near the settlement, and 
as there can be no danger between us and that, we 
will let the Lieutenant take my daughter home, while 
we go with Oonomoo to shoot Shawnees.” 

“ I must protest against that,” said Lieutenant 
Canfield. “ If I thought there could possibly be any 
danger to Miss Mary, I would not think of desert- 
ing her; but surely there cannot be. I, therefore, 
propose that Cato act as her guide, while all of us 
go to assist Oonomoo. I could never forgive myself 
if I failed to requite the faithful Huron, in such a 
small degree, when the opportunity is given.” 

The suggestion of the young soldier received the 
enthusiastic support of all; but, Captain Prescott, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


2 31 

who could not bear the thought that his daughter 
should be placed in the least peril, selected one of 
his men, a bronzed border-ranger, who, accom- 
panied by Cato, started at once for the settlement 
with her, which (we may as well remark here) was 
safely reached by them a few hours later. 

“ The matter is all arranged then,” said Captain 
Prescott, when he had selected the man who was to 
take charge of his daughter. “ We are now ready 
to follow you, Oonomoo.” 

“ Come quick, den — Oonomoo can’t wait — leave 
his trail — all see it.” 

As the Huron spoke, his son bounded off in the 
woods and dashed away like an arrow, while he 
followed him with such astonishing speed, that he 
almost instantly disappeared from sight. 

“ God bless me ! that’s an original way of guiding 
us ! ” exclaimed the Captain, taken aback by the 
unexpected disappearance of the Indian. 

“ The danger that threatens his wife is so immi- 
nent that he dare not wait for our tardy movements,” 
said Lieutenant Canfield. “ He will leave a trail 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


232 

that your men can follow without the least difficulty, 
and, I trust, we may come up in time to prevent any- 
thing serious occurring to him and her. His son 
joined him last night and brought the news of his 
misfortune to him, but the noble fellow, although 
his heart must have nearly burst within him, would 
not leave us until he was assured of your daughter’s 
safety.” 

“ Noble chap ! noble chap ! he must be paid for 
such devotion. Come, my boys, let us lose no time. 
As you all understand the woods better than I do, 
I must select one of you to walk beside me and 
keep the trail in sight, while the rest of you must 
remember and not fall out of line. If a tree 
should stand in the way, just step around it, but 
don’t lose the step. There’s nothing like discipline 
— nothing like discipline.” 

The guide was selected, who took his station be- 
side Captain Prescott, and the word was given and 
away they started in the wake of the flying Huron. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


233 


CHAPTER X. 

CONCLUSION. 

I leave the Huron shore 
For emptier groves below 1 
Ye charming solitudes, 

Ye tall ascending woods, 

Ye glassy lakes and prattling streams. 

Whose aspect still was sweet, 

Whether the sun did greet, 

Or the pale moon embrace you with her beams — 
Adieu to all ! 

Adieu, the mountain’s lofty swell, 

Adieu, thou little verdant hill, 

And seas, and stars, and skies, farewell ! — P. Freneau. 

Away started Niniotan like a fawn, his father 
following at a rate that kept both within a few feet 
of each other. The densest portions of the wood 
seemed to offer them no impediments, as they glided 
like rabbits through them. The boy trailed a rifle 
in his right hand with as much ease and grace as a 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


234 

full-grown warrior, and the speed which he kept up, 
mile after mile, seemed to have as little effect upon 
him as upon the indurated frame of his father. The 
step of neither lagged, and their respiration was 
hardly quickened. The dark eyes of Niniotan ap- 
peared larger, as if expanded with terror, and looked 
as if they were fixed upon some point, many leagues 
away in the horizon. The habitual gloomy expres- 
sion rested upon the face of Oonomoo, and it needed 
no skillful physiognomist to read the signs of an 
unusual emotion upon his swarthy countenance. It 
was seen in the dark scowl, the glittering eye, 
and the compressed lip, although he spoke not a 
word until they had penetrated far into the forest. 

In something less than an hour, the swamp, in the 
interior of which was the Huron’s lodge, was 
reached ; but instead of taking the usual route to it, 
Niniotan diverged to the left, until they reached a 
portion of the creek that was less swampy in its char- 
acter. Running along its bank a few moments, the 
boy came upon a canoe, which he shoved into the 
water, and, springing into it, took his seat in front. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


235 

Oonomoo was scarce a second behind him. The 
son pointed down-stream, and, dipping deep the 
paddle, the Huron sent the frail vessel forward at a 
velocity that was truly wonderful. A half-mile at 
this rate, and a tributary of the creek — a brook, 
merely — was reached, up which the canoe shot with 
such speed, that a few minutes later it ran almost its 
entire length where the water was no more than an 
inch in depth. Springing ashore, Niniotan darted 
off, closely followed by his father, until they reached 
a portion of the wood so dense that they paused. 

“ Here was left Fluellina,” said the boy, looking 
around at Oonomoo. The latter uttered his usual 
signal, a tremulous, thrilling whistle, similar to that 
by which he had made himself known to his child 
before, but he received no response. Three times it 
was repeated with a considerable rest, when, like the 
faint echo far in the distance, came back the re- 
sponse. The Huron was about to plunge into the 
thicket, when a sound caught his ear, and the next 
moment his wife was before him. Neither spoke a 
word, until they had stood a few seconds in a fervent 


236 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

embrace, when Fluellina stepped back, and looking 
up in her husband’s face, said: “The Shawnees 
have found our home and are now following me.” 

The husband became the warrior on the instant. 
His woodcraft told him that if his foes were search- 
ing for him and his, they would be in such force that 
he could not hope to combat with them ; and the only 
plan, therefore, that offered him any safety was to 
fall back and meet his white friends at the earliest 
possible moment. In reaching the creek, he had 
bent down the bushes, and broken the branches on 
the way so that his trail could be followed without 
difficulty. 

He now sped back to his canoe, which, when 
reached, he shoved into deep water, and ran a con- 
siderable distance before he deemed it best to enter. 
Lifting Fluellina in his arms, he deposited her care- 
fully in it. Niniotan leaped after her, and the next 
moment they were going down the stream at a speed 
that seemed would tear the boat asunder every mo- 
ment. Debouching into the creek, the canoe rounded 
gracefully and went upward with undiminished ve- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


237 

locity, until, in almost an incredible space, the point 
of embarkation was reached, when Oonomoo ran in 
and sprung ashore, followed instantly by his wife 
and son. 

The Huron had scarcely landed, when his quick 
ear detected a suspicious sound. He glanced fur- 
tively around. Nothing, however, was seen, al- 
though his apprehensions of the proximity of his 
foes had assumed a certainty. Without pausing in 
the least, he instantly took the back trail, Fluellina 
being close behind him, and Niniotan bringing up 
the rear. They had gone scarce a dozen steps when 
the Shawnee war-whoop was heard, and full a 
score of the red demons sprung up seemingly from 
the very ground, and plunged toward the fugitives. 
Simultaneously several rifles were discharged, and 
Oonomoo, who had thrown himself in the rear of 
Fluellina upon the appearance of danger, knew by 
the sharp, needle-like twinges in different parts of 
his body, that he was severely wounded. Flight was 
useless, and as he and his wife took shelter behind 
separate trees, he called to his son : “ Niniotan, prove 


238 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

yourself a warrior, the son of Oonomoo, the 
Huron ! ” 

As quick as lightning, the youth was also shel- 
tered, and his gun discharged. A death-shriek 
from a howling Shawnee showed that the training of 
Oonomoo had not been thrown away. The boy re- 
loaded and waited his opportunity. 

The Shawnees, seeing they had driven their foe 
to the wall at last, prudently halted, as they were in 
no hurry to engage such a terrible being in a hand- 
to-hand contest, overwhelming as were their own 
odds. The Huron wisely held his fire, believing he 
could keep his enemies at bay much better by such 
means than by discharging it. The great point with 
him was to defer the attack until the arrival of as- 
sistance, and he had strong hopes that he could 
succeed in doing it. 

Not Oonomoo’s personal fear, but his excessive 
anxiety for the safety of Fluellina, induced him now 
to adopt a resort that was fatal in its consequences. 
Knowing that Captain Prescott and his men could 
be at no great distance, he gave utterance to a loud, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


239 

prolonged whoop, which he knew some of the ran- 
gers would recognize as a call for assistance, and 
consequently hasten to his aid. Unfortunately, the 
Shawnees also understood the meaning of the sig- 
nal, and satisfied that not a moment was to be lost, 
they boldly left their cover and advanced to the 
attack. 

The foremost of the approaching savages fell, 
shot through the heart by the rifle of young Ninio- 
tan, and almost at the same instant the one by his 
side had the ball of Oonomoo's rifle sent crashing 
through his brain. The Huron now sprung to the 
side of his wife, and drawing his knife in his left, 
and his tomahawk in his right hand, he stood at 
bay! 

It was a scene worthy the inspired pencil of the 
artist. The malignant, scowling Shawnees, steadily 
advancing upon the dauntless Huron, who, though 
his moccasins were soaked with the blood from his 
own wounds, stood as firm and immovable as the 
adamantine rock. His left leg was thrown some- 
what in advance of his right, as if he were about to 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


240 

spring, but in such a manner that his weight was 
perfectly balanced. The knife was held firmly, but 
not as it would have been were he about to strike. 
The tomahawk, however, was drawn back, as if he 
were only holding it a second, while he selected his 
victim. His eyes ! no imagination can conceive their 
fierce electric glitter as their burning gaze was fixed 
upon his merciless enemies. Black as midnight, 
they seemed to emit palpable rays, that shot through 
the air with an irresistibly penetrating power, and 
not once was their awful power eclipsed for an in- 
stant by the closing of the eyelid. 

Onward came the exultant Shawnees. There was 
no checking them, and throwing all his mighty 
strength in his right arm, Oonomoo hurled his tom- 
ahawk like a thunderbolt among them. Striking 
an Indian fair between the eyes, it clove his skull 
as if it had been wax; and striking another on the 
shoulder, cut through the flesh and bone as if they 
were but the green leaves of the trees above. Fluel- 
lina sunk down by the feet of her husband in prayer, 
while he, changing his knife to his right hand, waited 



So terrible did the exasperated Huron appear, that the entire 
party of Shawnees paused out of sheer horror. 



OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


243 

the shock of the coming avalanche ! So terrible did 
the exasperated Huron appear, that the entire party 
of Shawnees paused out of sheer horror of closing 
in with him. Wounded and bleeding as he was, they 
knew that he would carry many of their number to 
the earth, before his defiant spirit could be driven out 
of him. And at scarcely a dozen feet distant, the 
craven, cowardly wretches poured a volley from 
their rifles upon both him and the kneeling woman 
beside him. 

“ Oonomoo did not leap or yell ; but with his eyes 
still fixed upon his enemies, and his knife still firmly 
clutched in his hand, commenced slowly sinking 
backward to the earth. The Shawnees saw it, and 
one of them sprung forward, as if to claim his scalp, 
but he fell howling to the ground, prostrated by a 
ball from the undaunted Niniotan who still main- 
tained his place behind his tree. His companions 
were in the act of moving forward, to avenge the 
deaths of hundreds of their comrades, when the 
tramp of approaching men was heard, and a clear 
voice rung out : “ This way, boys ! I see the infernal 


244 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


copper-heads through the trees. Make ready, take 
aim — God bless me! you fired before the orders 
were given.” 

At the first glimpse of the Shawnees, huddled to- 
gether in a rushing body, every one of the border 
men discharged his piece, without waiting for the 
command, right in among them. The destruction 
was fearful and the panic complete. Numbers came 
to the ground, writhing, dying and dead, while the 
survivors scattered howling to the woods, and were 
seen no more. 

Shortly after Captain Prescott and Lieutenant 
Canfield had started with their men on the trail of 
Oonomoo, they came upon an elderly man in the for- 
est who was hunting. He proved to be Eckman, the 
Moravian missionary, who had brought up and edu- 
cated Fluellina, the wife of Oonomoo, and to whom 
she made her stated visits for religious counsel and 
encouragement. Upon learning the object of the 
party, he at once joined them, as he felt a fatherly 
affection for the Huron warrior. Being a skillful 
backwoodsman, he acted as guide to the men, pro- 
ceeding, in spite of his years, at a rate which cost 
them considerable effort to equal. They had not 
gone a great distance, when the shout of Oonomoo 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


245 

was heard, and the missionary understood its signifi- 
cance. Bounding forward, the men came upon the 
ficance. Bounding forward, the men came upon the 
Shawnees at a full run, Captain Prescott panting 
and still at their head, vainly endeavoring to keep 
them in line and to make them aim and fire together. 

The missionary and Lieutenant Canfield took in 
the state of affairs at once. Niniotan was unhurt, 
and now came forward, his face as rigid as marble. 
Swelled to nearly bursting as was his heart, he en- 
deavored to obey the instructions of his father, and 
show himself a warrior, by concealing his emotion 
to those around him. The man of God instantly ran 
to the prostrate Huron and his wife, the latter man- 
aging to maintain a sitting position with great diffi- 
culty. He saw both were mortally wounded and 
would soon die. Oonomoo lay flat upon his back, 
breathing heavily, while the copious pools of blood 
around him showed how numerous and severe were 
his wounds. Lieutenant Canfield lifted his head, 
while the missionary supported Fluellina. The latter 
opened her languid eyes, which instantly brightened 
as she recognized her noble friend, and said in a low, 
sweet voice, speaking English perfectly : “ I am 
glad you have come, father. Oonomoo and Fluel- 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


246 

lina are dying. We want you to smooth the way for 
us to the Bright Land.” 

“ The way is already smoothed, my child, so that 
your feet can tread it. Can I do anything to relieve 
your pain ? ” 

“ No ; my body suffers, but my heart is on fire 
with joy. Please attend to Oonomoo,” said Fluel- 
lina, looking toward him. 

The Huron was so close to his wife, that by taking 
a position between them, the missionary was enabled 
to support both. Raising their heads with the as- 
sistance of Lieutenant Canfield and Captain Pres- 
cott, he laid them upon his lap in close proximity 
to each other. The men stood silent and affected 
witnesses of the scene. Brushing the luxuriant hair 
from the face of the dying Indian, the preacher said : 

“ Oonomoo, is there anything I can do for you ? ” 

“ Where be Niniotan?” 

“ Here/’ responded the boy, approaching him. 

“ Stand where you be, and see a Christian warrior 
die,” he commanded, in his native tongue. “ Where 
is Fluellina’s hand ? ” 

The affectionate wife heard the inquiry, and in- 
stantly closed her hand in his. He held it, in loving 
embrace. The missionary spread a blanket over the 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 247 

body and limbs of the Huron, so as to hide his 
frightful wounds from sight. A single stream, tiny, 
crimson and glistening, wound down from the shoul- 
der of Fluellina, over her bare arm, to her waist, 
where it fell in rapid drops to the leaves below. No 
one of her wounds were visible, although it was evi- 
dent that dissolution was proceeding rapidly with 
her. 

The minister, at this point, noticed that the lips 
of Oonomoo were moving. Thinking he had some 
request to make, he leaned forward and listened. 
His soul was thrilled with holy joy when he heard 
unmistakably the words of supplication. Oonomoo 
was addressing the Great Spirit of the world, not as 
a craven does, at the last moment, when overtaken 
by death, but as he had often done before, with the 
assurance that his prayer was heard. With a sim- 
plicity as touching as it was earnest, he spoke aloud 
his forgiveness of the Shawnees, saying that he 
wished not their scalps, and had not taken any for 
several years, not since the Great Spirit had sent a 
wonderful light in his soul. For a moment more he 
was silent, and then opening his eyes, uttered the 
name of Niniotan. 

“ I am here before you ! ” replied the boy. 


OONOMOO, THE HURON . 


248 

“ Niniotan, be a Huron warrior ; be as Oonomoo 
has been ; never take the scalp of a foe, and kill none 
except in honorable warfare; live and die a Chris- 
tian.” 

As was his custom, when addressing his wife or 
boy, this exhortation was given in his own tongue, so 
that the missionary was the only one beside them 
who understood it. Languidly shutting his eyes 
again, Oonomoo said : “ Read out of Good Book.” 

The good man was pained beyond description to 
find that the pocket-Bible, which he always carried 
with him, had been lost during his hurried approach 
to this spot. But Fluellina, who had caught the 
words, said : “ It is in my bosom.” 

The missionary reached down and drew it forth, 
and, as he did so, all the men noticed the red strains 
upon it, while he himself felt the warm, fresh blood 
upon his hand. Instinctively he opened the volume 
at the fifteenth chapter of Corinthians, that beautiful 
letter of the Apostle’s, in which the triumphant and 
glorious resurrection of the body at the last day is 
pictured in the sublime language of inspiration: 

“ 4 As is the earthy, such are they also that are 
earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also 
that are heavenly. 





OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


251 

“ * And as we have borne the image of the earthy, 
we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 

“ * Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood 
cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth 
corruption inherit incorruption. 

“ ‘ Behold, I shew you a mystery ; We shall not all 
sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

“ ‘ In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at 
the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the 
dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be 
changed. 

“ 4 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 
and this mortal must put on immortality. 

“ * So when this corruptible shall have put on in- 
corruption, and this mortal shall have put on im- 
mortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying 
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 

“ ‘ Oh death, where is thy sting ? Oh grave, where 
is thy victory ? — * 99 

The hands of Oonomoo and Fluellina, which had 
still remained clasped upon the lap of the mission- 
ary, suddenly closed with incredible force, and ris- 
ing to the sitting position, as if assisted by an in- 
visible arm, they both opened their eyes to their 
widest extent, and fixing them for a moment upon 


252 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


the clear sky above, sunk slowly and quietly back, 
dead ! A profound stillness reigned for several min- 
utes after it was certain the spirits of Oonomoo and 
Fluellina had departed. Gently removing their heads 
from his lap to the ground, the missionary arose, 
and in so doing, broke the spell that was resting 
upon all. Niniotan stood like a statue, his arms 
folded and his stony gaze fixed upon the senseless 
forms of his parents. Placing his hand upon his 
head, the man of God addressed him in the tones of 
a father: 

“ Let Niniotan heed the words of Oonomoo; let 
him grow up a Christian warrior, and when his 
spirit leaves this world, it will join his and Fluel- 
lina’s in the happy hunting-grounds in the sky. 
Niniotan, I offer you a home at our mission-house 
so long as you choose to remain. Your mother was 
brought to me when an infant, and I have educated 
her in the fear of God. Will you go with me ? ” 
The boy replied in his native dialect : “ Niniotan will 
never forget the words of Oonomoo. His heart is 
warm toward the kind father of Fluellina, and he 
will never forget him. The woods are the home of 
Niniotan, the green earth is his bed and the blue sky 
is his blanket. Niniotan goes to them. ,, 


OONOMOO, THE HURON. 


253 

Turning his back upon his white friends, the 
young warrior walked away and soon disappeared 
from sight in the arches of the forest. [He kept his 
word, living a life of usefulness as had Oonomoo, 
being the unswerving friend of the whites all through 
TecumselTs war, and dying less than ten years since 
in the Indian Territory beyond the Mississippi, 
loved and respected by the whites as well as by all 
of his own kindred.] 

“ Friends,” said the missionary, “ you have wit- 
nessed a scene which I trust will not be lost upon 
you. Live and die in the simple faith of this un- 
tutored Indian and all will be well.” 

“ Captain,” added the speaker, addressing Captain 
Prescott, “ he has been a true friend to our race for 
years, and we must do him what kindness we can. 
If we leave these bodies here, the Shawnees will re- 
turn and mutilate them — ” 

“ God bless me ! it shan’t be done ! it shan’t be 
done! Form a litter, boys, form a litter, and place 
them on it. We’ll bury them at the settlement, and 
build them a monument a thousand feet high — yes, 
sir — every inch of it.” 

A few minutes later, the party, bearing among 
them the bodies of Oonomoo and Fluellina, set out 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


254 

for the settlement, which was reached just as the 
sun was disappearing in the west. The lifeless 
forms were placed in the block-house for the night. 
The next morning a large and deep grave was dug 
in a cool grove just back of the village, into which 
the two bodies, suitably inclosed, were lowered. 
The last rites were performed by the good mission- 
ary, and as the sods fell upon the coffins, there was 
not a dry eye in the numerous assembly. 

The avowal of Captain Prescott that the faithful 
Huron should have a monument erected to his mem- 
ory, was something more than the impulse of the 
moment. Knowing the affection with which he was 
regarded by the settlers all along the frontier, he 
took pains to spread the particulars of his death, and 
to invite contributions for the purpose mentioned. 
The response was far more liberal than he had 
dared to hope, and showed the vast services of Oono- 
moo during his life — services of which none but 
the recipients knew anything. 

At this time, there was a band of border rangers 
in existence, known as the Riflemen of the Miami. 
Oonomoo had often acted as their guide, and these 
were the first that were heard from. Lewis Dernor, 
their leader, visited the settlement on purpose to 


OONOMOO , THE HURON. 


255 

learn the facts regarding his death, and to bring the 
gifts of himself and companions. Then there was 
Stanton and Ferrington, and scores of others, who 
continued to pour in their contributions through the 
summer, until Captain Prescott possessed the means 
of erecting as magnificent a monument as his heart 
could wish. 

In the autumn, affairs on the frontier became so 
quiet and settled that the Captain was able to visit 
the East, where he gave orders for the marble monu- 
ment, which it was promised should be sent down the 
river the next spring. Upon the return of Captain 
Prescott, the wedding of his daughter and Lieuten- 
ant Canfield took place, and they settled down in 
the village. The Captain did not venture again to 
erect his house in so exposed a situation, until the 
advancing tide of civilization made it a matter of 
safety. A handsome edifice then rose from the ruins 
of his first residence. General peace dawning upon 
the border, he removed his family to it, and turned 
farmer. His possessions continually increased in 
value until a few years after the commencement of 
the present century, and when he died, there were 
few wealthier men in the West. 

During the war of 1812, Lieutenant Canfield was 


256 OONOMOO, THE HURON. 

promoted to a Captaincy, and served under General 
Harrison until all hostilities had ceased. He then 
retired with his family to private life, taking his 
abode upon the farm which had been left him by his 
father-in-law, where he resided until 1843, when he 
followed the partner of his joys and sorrows — the 
once captive of the Shawnees — to his last, long home. 

As the traveler passes down the Ohio river on one 
of its many steamers, his attention perhaps is at- 
tracted to a beautiful grove of oaks, willows and 
sycamores a short distance from the shore, beneath 
whose arches a tall, white marble obelisk may be 
discerned with some inscription and design upon it. 
Approaching it more closely, there is seen engraved 
on the front, the figure of the Holy Bible, open, 
with a hand beneath pointing upward. Below this, 
are cut the simple words : 

OONOMOO, 

THE 

Friend of the White Man. 


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